Malaysia eyes permanent F1 comeback despite travel chaos at Bahrain GP
Malaysia was aflush with Formula One fever this weekend, rekindling talk of permanently bringing the race back to the Southeast Asian nation after a long hiatus – despite days of traffic chaos that left thousands of fans stranded for hours. More than 260,000 people flocked to Sepang International Circuit in Selangor state for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was originally meant to be held in April…
Sepang International Circuit (SIC) welcomed over 260,000 spectators for the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, shattering Malaysia's previous F1 attendance record of 126,690 set in 2008. The three-day event saw 103,000 fans flock to the Sunday race alone. Bahrain International Circuit CEO Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa hailed the turnout as the most attended event ever at SIC, praising the energy of the fans.
The Bahrain GP, held from Oct 2 to 4, provided Bahrain with a platform to display its culture and hospitality to regional fans. The race, initially set to be cancelled due to geopolitical tensions, was saved for the 2026 calendar by Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
Sepang, which hosted the Malaysian GP from 1999 to 2017, welcomed the F1 return after a nine-year hiatus.
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