Bahrain’s success in motorsport reflects the determination of its people to further contribute to advancing the goals of the kingdom’s development, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has said.
HRH Prince Salman was speaking yesterday as he met members of Team Bahrain as well as distinguished guests attending the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed his first pole position of the season, proving he remains the master of Sepang’s challenging circuit nine years after his last victory there.
Verstappen clocked 1 minute 35.130 seconds to edge out Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who snatched second place in the dying moments of qualifying despite struggling with tyre degradation in the brutal Malaysian heat.
On the sidelines of the F1 race, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, attended a reception held as part of the Formula 1 race and interacted with representatives of the General Directorate of Media and Security Culture of the Interior Ministry, the Directorate of the News Centre, the Television Directorate and the Radio Directorate at the Information Ministry, and local newspapers.
During his meeting with the Malaysian Prime Minister, HRH Prince Salman outlined the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and creating opportunities to meet shared aspirations.
He expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for the arrangements provided, which contributed to hosting the race in Malaysia.
At the reception, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister affirmed that the kingdom’s leading position in the motorsport sector, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, reflects Bahrain’s commitment to developing various sporting sectors and strengthening its presence at international events.
HRH Prince Salman noted that the kingdom’s expertise is a critical factor for consolidating Bahrain’s position on the global sporting stage.
He added that hosting the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is a testament to the kingdom’s experience and successful track record in motorsport, as well as its prominent international presence, reflective of its capabilities in hosting major sporting events.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister also hosted a luncheon in honour of the members of Team Bahrain and the distinguished guests attending the Grand Prix.
He highlighted the strength of the relationship between Bahrain and Malaysia, which is supported by the shared bilateral commitment to advancing co-operation at all levels.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister noted that hosting the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia demonstrates these strong bilateral ties which are underpinned by a mutual commitment to further strengthening and developing them in support of shared aspirations.
The members of Team Bahrain and the distinguished guests expressed their appreciation for HRH Prince Salman’s commitment to supporting the national workforce and affirmed their dedication to contributing to the continued progress and prosperity of Bahrain.
During his meeting with media representatives, HRH Prince Salman commended the efforts of Bahrain’s national media professionals in covering events and achievements with professionalism, thereby supporting the kingdom’s comprehensive development, led by His Majesty.
He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of journalists and media professionals and highlighted the important role they play in covering this international sporting event.
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