‘But it’s going to be in Malaysia!’ Bahrain GP boss reveals shock phone call that sent F1 race to Sepang

SEPANG, Oct 3 — Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa was taken aback by a phone call revealing the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (GP) would now be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in Malaysia. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, informed Sheikh Salman while he was departing the 2026 Belgian GP at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium, in July.

Prince Salman expressed surprise at the unexpected decision, stating, "It’s a very interesting one. I got a phone call from His Royal Highness while I was leaving Spa, and he’s like, ‘Hi Salman, just want to let you know, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is happening this year.’ “I was like, ‘Yes!’ '...but it’s going to be in Malaysia.

I’m on a flight, I’ll call you when I land.'" The decision to stage the GP in Sepang was the result of deliberation by Bahrain, taking into account the strong relationships between Bahrain and Malaysia, along with Sepang’s historical association with Formula 1. Sheikh Salman praised Malaysia for being an excellent choice, highlighting Sepang’s rich F1 legacy from 1999 to 2017.

In July, Formula 1 confirmed the involvement of Malaysia and Bahrain in hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from October 2 to 4. The race’s return to Sepang is a testament to the close bonds between the two nations, with the King of Bahrain and King of Malaysia granting their blessings for the event to take place.