The Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 was truly an historic occasion as a record-breaking sell-out crowd of 261,000 fans attended the motorsport spectacle over its three days at Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
This was announced last night by F1, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and SIC.
The crowd included a whopping 103,000 on race day alone.
“We’ve experienced an incredible Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, and I want to recognise the unwavering passion and commitment that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has for his race and for F1,” said F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali.
“It is thanks to his vision, determination and agile thinking that we have enjoyed a true representation of the Bahrain event this weekend, and it has been delivered in just two short months.
“His team has worked alongside the SIC team to collectively rise to the challenge. We have been so warmly welcomed back to Malaysia and SIC for the first time in nearly 10 years, a time during which the sport has changed and grown so much, as we have seen with this record-breaking, sell-out race.
“Finally, I must thank the fans – their passion and love for the sport is clear and they have created an electric atmosphere all weekend. Without them our sport is nothing, and their commitment as we pivoted to deliver this race has been fantastic.
“We hope they leave with life-long memories of this truly unique moment in F1’s history.”
BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa commented: “This weekend, we truly brought Bahrain to Malaysia.
“The powerful platform of F1 offered us, together with our colleagues across Team Bahrain, the opportunity to showcase our culture and hospitality to fans in the region at this iconic venue.
“Over 260,000 fans came to witness the biggest event ever held at SIC and we are truly grateful to them for bringing their passion and energy.
“An undertaking of this nature, delivered in such a short space of time, would not be possible without our incredible partnership with SIC. Together with the support of F1, the FIA, the Bahrain Motor Federation, and the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, this weekend has been a showcase of teamwork, dedication and the coming together of two nations to deliver an historic moment for F1.
“We are grateful to all who helped make this weekend happen and look forward to welcoming the sport back to Bahrain in March next year.”
SIC chairman Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz added: “The return of F1 to Sepang has once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of the sport to unite people and deliver an unforgettable race weekend for fans from around the world. This has been a truly record-breaking event for us, and we are incredibly grateful and honoured that more than 260,000 fans came to SIC to witness a historic weekend of racing.
“Over the past two months, we have worked side by side with the team at BIC in a close, collaborative, and united partnership. Together with the dedicated team at SIC and the invaluable support of the government and our stakeholders, we have delivered a world-class race weekend that will live long in the memories of fans.
“This achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when organisations, communities, and partners come together with a shared vision.
“We thank everyone who played a part in making this event such an outstanding success.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented: “To see such an extraordinary response from the fans, particularly given the short timeframe in which this event has been delivered, is a tremendous achievement. It reflects the strength of the collaboration between Bahrain and Malaysia and the shared determination to make this unique Grand Prix a success.
“My congratulations and thanks to everyone who has worked to make it possible, and to the fans who have created such a special atmosphere.”
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