Formula One fever has taken over Kuala Lumpur ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026.
Fans from all over the world have flocked to the Southeast Asian nation to be a part of the historic race weekend, which will see the kingdom’s motorsport experience, culture and heritage take centre stage at Malaysia’s iconic racing venue, Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Upon touching down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), travellers are given a warm and cheerful welcome by a team of locals in traditional attire while performing vibrant song and dance.
Bahrain International Circuit’s (BIC) meet and greet team members are also on hand to assist in the arrival formalities for all those attending the race.
Branding for F1 weekend is prevalent across the city centre and at other key locations, while the general sentiment in the country is of appreciation and pride as Bahrain and Malaysia have joined hands in bringing the kingdom’s grand prix to SIC – marking the top flight’s return to the country since it last hosted F1 in 2017 – amidst the extraordinary circumstances impacting the region.
Not even a sudden downpour yesterday afternoon could dampen the excitement in the final countdown to the race weekend.
“We are very excited to have F1 back in Malaysia!” Sunil Singh, who works with a local transportation company, told the GDN.
“Having so many people coming into the country for the event is very good for the economy and for our tourism industry, and it is creating a lot of jobs for us.
“There are so many people coming from abroad and we welcome them all to Malaysia for this grand event.”
Jassim Alajmi, a member of BIC’s meet and greet team, feels honoured to be playing his part for the race while showcasing true Bahraini hospitality, albeit in a different country.
“My team members and I have been here for two weeks now and we are happy to see so many people coming to Malaysia to be a part of Bahrain’s race,” Alajmi told the GDN.
“Everything has gone well so far, we are happy to be helping everyone arriving for F1 with everything they need.
“Our race is a very big event for us and we want it to be the best!”
The grand prix weekend is also an opportunity to introduce Bahrain and its race to a new audience of motorsport fans in Asia, while showcasing the kingdom’s tourism and cultural offerings and its long-standing experience in hosting and organising F1 events.
As part of race preparations, BIC and the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) have been working alongside their Malaysian counterparts to organise and manage the weekend, and together with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and national carrier Gulf Air, are delivering a range of activities and experiences reflecting Bahrain’s culture, heritage and hospitality.
A total of 561 Bahraini marshals and BMF officials, alongside BIC staff, will support race operations in co-operation with SIC, the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, F1 and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Following the conclusion of the 56-lap race on Sunday, the winner will be presented with the Bahrain Grand Prix trophy, which has travelled from Sakhir to Sepang for the occasion. Second- and third-place trophies, as well as the winning constructor’s trophy, will also be presented, with all four awards specially engraved to mark the staging of Bahrain’s F1 race in Malaysia.
The podium ceremony will also feature one of the traditions associated with the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, with the top three drivers and a representative of the winning team celebrating with traditional Bahraini rosewater, continuing the custom seen on the podium at BIC.
Gulf Air, which operated its first direct flight to KLIA on Tuesday night ahead of F1 weekend, will also conduct its popular pre-race flypast over SIC, continuing the tradition that has accompanied the kingdom’s spectacle since its inception.
Away from the track, BTEA has put together the Bahrain Village in the SIC fan zone, offering visitors an experience highlighting aspects of Bahrain’s culture and heritage, including its music, cuisine, traditions and crafts.
The Bahrain Village will also showcase the kingdom’s contemporary character through the participation of local food and beverage brands, giving race-goers an opportunity to experience Bahraini flavours and the diversity of the kingdom’s culinary scene.
Other activities included BIC’s traditional welcome barbecue for F1 teams held last night in the SIC paddock.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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