Subang:The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, arrived in Malaysia today for a special visit related to the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, which commenced yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sultan's aircraft, carrying the Brunei delegation including Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah, landed safely at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang at 428 pm. They were welcomed by Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim and Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Following the arrival, His Majesty inspected a guard of honour consisting of two officers and 26 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Captain Wan Amirul Syafiq Wan Zamri.

The Sepang International Circuit has been selected to host the 2026 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, temporarily becoming the venue for this prestigious race. Last July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia's role as host for the event, continuing until this Sunday.

This development stems from an agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. It ensures that the Bahrain Grand Prix remains on the 2026 F1 calendar after its cancellation earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before it was removed from the F1 calendar. The return of this major event to Malaysia is credited to successful diplomatic efforts involving His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, and the King of Bahrain, King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa.