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Archive photograph, for illustration. Aerial view of Sepang F1 Circuit in Malaysia.

Bahrain to cover F1 fees for Sepang race, circuit chief says

Archive photograph, for illustration. Aerial view of Sepang F1 Circuit in Malaysia.CK Tan · CC BY 3.0

Sepang’s chief executive says Bahrain will cover US$70m–US$80m in F1 rights fees for the race in Malaysia, while Gulf Air retains title sponsorship.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 2 min

Formula 1 and the FIA announced the move in July, following an agreement with the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. The race will retain Bahrain’s name and Gulf Air sponsorship, despite taking place at Sepang International Circuit. Formula 1’s timetable lists a 56-lap race starting at 15:00 local time on Sunday 4 October.

Bahrain’s race had originally been due to take place on 10–12 April. In March, Formula 1 said the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix would not go ahead in April because of the situation in the Middle East. It announced no replacement races for April at the time.

The Bahrain name on a race outside Bahrain is unusual, but not without precedent. RacingNews365 points to the San Marino Grand Prix, which was held in Italy; Reuters also cites races named for Luxembourg and Switzerland that took place across their borders. Motorsport.com places more emphasis on the calendar and logistics behind the choice of Sepang. The reports agree on the venue and the event’s Bahrain identity.

Sepang last hosted Formula 1 in 2017. This October’s scheduled race falls between the Grands Prix in Azerbaijan and Singapore.

Update

Sepang International Circuit chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif said Bahrain would cover the Formula 1 rights fees for the relocated race, which he put at US$70m–US$80m. Bernama reported his comments on 28 July.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for 2–4 October at Sepang, following the postponement of the original event amid the conflict in West Asia. Bahrain International Circuit said on 27 September that Gulf Air would remain the race’s title sponsor in Malaysia.

Azhan Shafriman said Malaysia would share local preparation costs of around RM40m. When he spoke in July, Sepang and Bahrain International Circuit were still discussing how to divide hosting costs.

Sources 09
  1. SOURCEWhy the 2026 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in MalaysiaRacingNews365 English · Source date as found: 2026-09-28
  2. SOURCEFormula 1 and FIA confirm Malaysia will join 2026 calendar as host venue for Bahrain Grand PrixFormula 1 · Source date as found: 2026-07-26
  3. SOURCE2026 FIA Formula One World ChampionshipFédération Internationale de l’Automobile · Source date as found: Vastgelegd op 2026-09-28; gedeeltelijk aangeleverd
  4. SOURCEBahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in AprilFormula 1 · Source date as found: 2026-03-14
  5. SOURCEFORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX IN MALAYSIA 2026Formula 1 · Source date as found: Publicatiedatum niet vermeld; vastgelegd op 2026-09-28
  6. SOURCEF1 moves Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia's Sepang circuitReuters, gepubliceerd door Khaleej Times · Source date as found: 2026-07-26
  7. SOURCEWaarom vindt de Grand Prix van Bahrein 2026 plaats in Maleisië?Motorsport.com, Nederlandstalige editie · Source date as found: 2026-09-27
  8. SOURCEBahrain To Bear Rights Fees For Oct F1 Race At SICBernama · Source date as found: 2026-07-28
  9. SOURCEBIC and national carrier Gulf Air continue long-standing partnership with Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026Bahrain International Circuit · Source date as found: 2026-09-27
Source context

Formula 1 announced the arrangement in July and lists the October race on its timetable; the later explainers discuss the venue choice and unusual name.

Bernama reported the fee figures from Sepang’s chief executive in July; Bahrain International Circuit announced the continuing Gulf Air sponsorship in September.