Kuala Lampur, July 27 -- KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 - Malaysia's hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is the result of diplomatic ties and the close friendship between the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, and Bahrain's ruler, King Hamad Isa Al Khalifa.

The return of the premier motorsport event to Malaysia was attributed to the strong relationship and mutual trust between the two monarchs.

"Since 2017, His Majesty and King Hamad have developed a good personal friendship, and this has continued to grow into a strengthening of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Malaysia, with Sultan Ibrahim's state visit to Bahrain in 2025.

"Following challenges to the F1 racing ca...