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Malaysia hosts Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, explores permanent F1 return
Malaysia successfully hosted the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from October 2 to 4, following the relocation of the event from Bahrain due to West Asian conflicts. The race, which saw Max Verstappen take victory, drew a record-breaking crowd of over 261,000 spectators throughout the weekend.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the collaboration between the Sepang International Circuit and the Bahrain International Circuit, noting that the event strengthened bilateral ties between Malaysia and Bahrain. Following the event's success, Anwar confirmed that the Malaysian government has entered early-stage discussions with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali regarding the possibility of returning Malaysia to the permanent F1 calendar.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem noted that while Malaysia possesses the necessary heritage and fan base, a permanent return would require a credible five-year business plan and careful economic evaluation. The Prime Minister stated that any decision to host regular races will be brought to the Cabinet to assess financial capabilities and long-term economic benefits.
Entities
Anwar Ibrahim · Bahrain · Formula One · Malaysia · Max Verstappen · Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team · Mohammed Ben Sulayem · Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa · Sepang International Circuit · Stefano Domenicali · Sultan Ibrahim · Tunku Mahkota Ismail
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The potential for a permanent F1 return in Malaysia will be reviewed by the Malaysian Cabinet. worldofbuzz.com · goodyfeed.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held discussions with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali regarding a permanent return of the Malaysian Grand Prix to the F1 calendar. goodyfeed.com · worldofbuzz.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kimi Antonelli finished second and Lewis Hamilton finished third in the race. www.malaysianupdate.my · www.remaja.my · www.kosmo.com.my
- [DISPUTED] The 2026 event held at Sepang was the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. www.remaja.my · sarawakdaily.com · malaysiatribune.news · goodyfeed.com · www.kosmo.com.my
- [DISPUTED] Max Verstappen won the race at the Sepang International Circuit. www.malaysianupdate.my · www.remaja.my · www.kosmo.com.my
- [● 2 SOURCES] A total of 261,000 people attended the race weekend at Sepang, breaking the previous all-time attendance record. alhijrahnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that a return to F1 requires a credible five-year business plan. paultan.org