A record 261 000 fans flooded Sepang International Circuit to witness the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, the largest crowd in the venue’s history.
Historic Crowds at Sepang
On race day, 103 000 spectators filled the stands, turning the weekend into a sell‑out event surpassing all previous records at the Malaysian track.
Delayed but Delivered
The race was originally scheduled for April but was postponed amid Middle‑East tensions. It was rescheduled for 4 October, making Sepang the first circuit to host F1 in Malaysia since 2017.
Race Results and Podium
Max Verstappen claimed his first Grand Prix win of the season and the inaugural victory for Red Bull Powertrains. Kimi Antonelli finished second as the current championship leader, while Lewis Hamilton took third for Ferrari.
Leadership and Logistics
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised “His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa” for his “vision, determination, and agile thinking,” noting a swift two‑month turnaround that “delivered a true representation of the Bahrain event.”
Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa highlighted the joint effort with the Sepang International Circuit team, F1, the FIA, Bahrain Motor Federation and the Motorsports Association of Malaysia, stating the weekend showcased “teamwork, dedication and the coming together of two nations.”
Season Context
The Bahrain Grand Prix served as the second race of a triple‑header, following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and preceding the Singapore Grand Prix, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.
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