Sepang:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today provided updates on the preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, set to take place in Malaysia, to Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar communicated these updates during a phone call while visiting the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this afternoon. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between Malaysia and Bahrain in ensuring the event's success, noting that preparations are underway to welcome fans and visitors globally.

Anwar also mentioned looking forward to meeting the Crown Prince in Malaysia soon to further enhance the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Earlier, the Prime Minister engaged in a Pit Lane Walk as part of the race activities scheduled at SIC from tomorrow until Sunday. The event was attended by Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif, and Bahrain International Circuit CEO Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa.

The SIC was selected to host the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. This arrangement was confirmed in July after an agreement between Formula 1, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. The agreement kept the Bahrain GP on the 2026 F1 calendar after geopolitical tensions in West Asia led to its initial cancellation.

Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before it was removed from the F1 calendar.