SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif welcomes Formula 1 back to Sepang as Malaysia hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix in October.
“TO Formula 1, welcome back to Sepang!”
With those words, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif welcomed Formula 1’s return to Malaysia ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled to be held at Sepang from Oct 2 to 4.
In a statement today, Azhan Shafriman said SIC was honoured to host the race and support the unprecedented unique collaboration between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Malaysian Government.
“For nearly two decades, Sepang became synonymous with Formula 1. It was where unforgettable races were won, legendary rivalries unfolded, and generations of fans fell in love with the sport. While Formula 1 has not raced here in recent years, its spirit has never left the circuit,” he said.
On behalf of SIC, Azhan Shafriman expressed sincere gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari for their unwavering support and confidence in enabling Malaysia to host the event.
“Their support and agreement have been instrumental in making this landmark collaboration possible and reaffirming Malaysia’s capability to host world-class international sporting events. It is our honour to support the Kingdom of Bahrain and Bahrain International Circuit in bringing the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to Sepang. We are committed to delivering this world-class event with excellence, professionalism and Malaysian hospitality. We are grateful for the confidence placed in SIC,” he said.
As an FIA Grade 1 circuit, Azhan Shafriman noted that SIC has continued to invest in its facilities, people and operational capabilities to meet the highest standards expected of Formula 1.
Beyond the race weekend, he said this collaboration creates an opportunity to showcase Malaysia on the global stage, strengthen tourism, generate economic value and inspire the next generation of motorsport fans.
“To Formula 1, welcome back to Sepang. We are delighted that this iconic circuit has the opportunity to once again host the Formula 1 family and play a part in delivering another memorable chapter in the sport’s remarkable history,” he said.
Formula 1 yesterday confirmed Malaysia as the host of the Bahrain Grand Prix following an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
The event, scheduled to be held at SIC, will retain its original title as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including approval by the World Motor Sport Council.
The agreement allows the Bahrain Grand Prix to remain on the 2026 Formula One calendar after it was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical stresses in West Asia.
Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the Formula 1 calendar.
