Relocated Bahrain GP draws record 261,000 fans to Sepang as F1 returns to Malaysia

The Bahrain Grand Prix attracted a record 261,000 fans to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on 4 October, with 103,000 spectators present on race day alone — the largest crowd in the venue’s history. Max Verstappen claimed his first grand prix victory of the season, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished second and Lewis Hamilton completed the podium in third for Ferrari.

The race was originally scheduled in Bahrain but was postponed in April due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Rescheduled within two months and relocated to Malaysia, it marked Formula 1’s first visit to Sepang since 2017 — a gap of nearly eight years.

Verstappen’s win also delivered the first grand prix victory for Red Bull Powertrains, adding a technical milestone to an already historic weekend.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the swift logistical effort that made the relocation possible. “We’ve experienced an incredible Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, and I want to recognise the unwavering passion and commitment that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has for his race and for Formula 1,” he said. “It is thanks to his vision, determination, and agile thinking that we have enjoyed a true representation of the Bahrain event this weekend, and it has been delivered in just two short months.”

Domenicali also credited the fans for sustaining the event’s momentum through the disruption. “Their passion and love for the sport is clear and they have created an electric atmosphere all weekend. Without them our sport is nothing, and their commitment as we pivoted to deliver this race has been fantastic.”

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of Bahrain International Circuit, echoed that sentiment. “This weekend, we truly brought Bahrain to Malaysia,” he said. “Over 260,000 fans came to witness the biggest event ever held at Sepang International Circuit and we are truly grateful to them for bringing their passion and energy.”

The successful staging of the relocated race underlines Formula 1’s growing footprint in Southeast Asia and the flexibility the sport has developed in adapting its calendar to geopolitical circumstances.