BAHRAIN’S world-class marshals are stepping into the international spotlight once again at the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026.
More than 500 of the kingdom’s talented personnel are at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) all weekend supporting race management, and none stand out more than 14-year-old Rakan Janahi and 15-year-old Yousif Ahmed.
The Bahraini pair are amongst the youngest marshals contributing to an F1 event in the world, according to the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF), and they are the darlings of the BMF marshals’ delegation in Malaysia.
Despite their youth, Rakan and Yousif have already been marshaling for more than two years, and are delighted to be a part of yet another historic motorsport occasion as Bahrain’s unique F1 grand prix takes place at SIC.
“I feel really happy and proud to be part of the marshals’ team here at Sepang,” said Rakan, who is a Bahrain Bayan School student.
“It’s been an amazing experience so far, and I’m excited to be playing an important role in such a big motorsport weekend.”
Added Yousif, who is a pupil at Shaikh Isa bin Ali Secondary Boys School: “It is an honour to be part of Bahrain’s marshals’ team at our grand prix in Malaysia. I feel a great sense of responsibility as I help to make sure that the event runs smoothly and safely.”
Rakan and Yousif are both part of the marshals’ logistics team that plays a key role in assisting their teammates working trackside during racing.
An F1 logistics team marshal provides the internal track support, transport, and equipment management needed to keep all marshal posts and race operations fully stocked and running smoothly during a grand prix.
“We help with the smooth movement of people and equipment around the event,” Yousif explained.
Both youngsters have taken away many lessons from their experiences in marshaling, and are eager to continue learning as they continue on their motorsport journeys.
“I’ve been marshaling for more than two years and I’m still learning a lot today,” said Rakan. “I really enjoy being a part of the team and being a marshal means a lot to me.
“I get to be part of the event instead of just watching it, and it’s a great experience that makes me even more interested in the world of motorsports.”
For Yousif, his experiences as a marshal have taught him a lot ‘about communication, responsibility, and staying organised under pressure’.
Both Rakan and Yousif are hoping to inspire other Bahraini youth to get into the sport, be it as competitors or as marshals themselves.
Bahrain’s marshals met yesterday with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who visited SIC on the opening day of the grand prix weekend.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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