A historic collaboration between two nations has culminated in a record-breaking race weekend, as the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) welcomed back Formula 1 by hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Delivered in an astonishingly short two-month timeframe, the unique event drew the largest crowd in the history of the Malaysian circuit, marking a triumphant and electric return to the region after nearly a decade.
Key Attendance Highlights:
- Total Weekend Attendance: 261,000 fans
- Race Day Attendance: 103,000 fans
- Milestone: The biggest event ever held at the Sepang International Circuit.
Leadership Praise Collaboration and Fan Passion
Following the conclusion of the historic race weekend, leaders from Formula 1, the FIA, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), and SIC expressed their gratitude and praise for the monumental effort required to pull off the event.
“We’ve experienced an incredible Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia… It is thanks to the vision, determination, and agile thinking of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa that we have enjoyed a true representation of the Bahrain event this weekend, and it has been delivered in just two short months.
We have been so warmly welcomed back to Malaysia and the SIC for the first time in nearly ten years, a time during which the sport has changed and grown so much, as we have seen with this record-breaking, sell-out race. Finally, I must thank the fans – their passion and love for the sport is clear and they have created an electric atmosphere all weekend.”
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1
“To see such an extraordinary response from the fans, particularly given the short timeframe in which this event has been delivered, is a tremendous achievement. It reflects the strength of the collaboration between Bahrain and Malaysia and the shared determination to make this unique Grand Prix a success. My congratulations and thanks to everyone who has worked to make it possible.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
“This weekend, we truly brought Bahrain to Malaysia. Over 260,000 fans came to witness the biggest event ever held at Sepang International Circuit… An undertaking of this nature, delivered in such a short space of time, would not be possible without our incredible partnership with SIC. Together with the support of F1, the FIA, Bahrain Motor Federation and the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, this weekend has been a showcase of teamwork, dedication and the coming together of two nations.”
Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit
“The return of Formula 1 to Sepang has once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of the sport to unite people. This has been a truly record-breaking event for us, and we are incredibly grateful and honoured.
Over the past two months, we have worked side by side with the team at BIC in a close, collaborative and united partnership. Together with the dedicated team at SIC and the invaluable support of the Government and our stakeholders, we have delivered a world-class race weekend that will live long in the memories of fans.”
Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, Chairman of Sepang International Circuit
Looking Ahead
With the historic Malaysian detour a resounding success, Formula 1 looks forward to returning to its traditional home in the Middle East, with organizers confirming they look forward to welcoming the sport back to Bahrain in March next year.