Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to make Formula One more accessible to Malaysians by seeking lower ticket prices under the MADANI initiative, following the confirmation that Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4.
In a post on his social media late Sunday, Anwar said the government would work to secure more affordable ticket prices for local fans, although he cautioned that premium hospitality experiences would remain beyond the scope of the initiative.
“I will try to ensure ticket prices are lower for Malaysians under the MADANI programme,” the Prime Minister said, adding with a touch of humour that fans should not expect Paddock Club access or seats on the starting grid.
The announcement comes after Formula One confirmed a historic arrangement under which Malaysia will stage the Bahrain Grand Prix after the Middle Eastern nation was unable to host the race because of the ongoing regional conflict.
Although the race will be held at Sepang, it will officially remain the Bahrain Grand Prix, making it the first time in Formula One history that a championship event will be hosted in another country while retaining the identity of its original venue.
The return of Formula One marks a major milestone for Malaysian motorsport.
Sepang last hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017, ending an 18-year stint on the Formula One calendar after the inaugural race in 1999. Since then, the circuit has continued to host MotoGP and other international motorsport events, but Formula One’s return has generated excitement among fans who have long hoped to see the sport back in Malaysia.
The race is expected to draw thousands of international visitors, boosting tourism, hospitality, transportation and retail spending while reaffirming Malaysia’s reputation as a capable host of world-class sporting events.
Formula One previously described the agreement as a “historic” collaboration that demonstrates the sport’s flexibility and praised both Bahrain’s commitment to preserving its race and Malaysia’s willingness to step in as the replacement venue.
The Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang will be held from October 2 to 4, with further details on ticket sales and pricing expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
