The return of Formula One racing to Malaysia reflects the success of royal diplomacy and the close relationship between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
In a Facebook post, Sultan Ibrahim said the two monarchs had maintained a strong personal friendship since 2017, which later helped deepen diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Bahrain.
The relationship was further strengthened by Sultan Ibrahim’s state visit to Bahrain in 2025.
The post said uncertainty surrounding the Formula One calendar, caused by the armed conflict in West Asia, had placed the Bahrain Grand Prix at risk and required an urgent alternative to ensure the race could proceed.
King Hamad subsequently held a telephone discussion with Sultan Ibrahim to explore a solution.
The friendly exchange became the starting point for strategic cooperation involving the Malaysian and Bahraini governments, Formula One and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.
Following the discussions, an agreement was reached for the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix to be held at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit.
The decision will bring Formula One racing back to Malaysia for the first time since the country last hosted a race in 2017.
The announcement that Sepang would host the Bahrain Grand Prix was warmly received by Formula One fans in Malaysia and across the region, while marking a historic chapter in the strong royal and diplomatic ties between Sultan Ibrahim and King Hamad.
