Formula 1’s return to Malaysian soil is taking shape with the official launch of ticket sales for the event branded the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit and is set to offer a full three-day experience, with covered grandstands and open-air viewing areas aimed at both international visitors and local fans.
However, there is already an unusual twist surrounding the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia ticket prices. The webpage dedicated to ticket sales has been removed and is currently no longer accessible, despite the price list having already appeared online. The event forms part of the revised 2026 Formula 1 calendar, which will bring F1 back to Sepang.
2026 Bahrain GP Malaysia ticket prices for international fans
For non-Malaysian citizens, prices were listed in US dollars and covered access for the entire race weekend. Several grandstand and open-air options were available at different price points.
- Main Grandstand: seated and rooftop access, priced at $566.05.
- K1 Grandstand: seated and rooftop access, priced at $350.13.
- F Grandstand: priced at $376.39.
- B Hillstand: grass and open-air viewing, priced at $218.90.
- C Hillstand: grass and open-air viewing, priced at $218.90.
Children aged between three and six receive a 25% discount, excluding the G Hillstand, while children under the age of three can enter free of charge but are not allocated a seat.
Cheaper Sepang F1 tickets for Malaysian MyKad holders
The situation is different for Malaysian citizens. Holders of a valid MyKad can purchase tickets at reduced prices, subject to identity verification. The special ticket rates for Malaysian fans cover the same main viewing areas, while the G Hillstand is reserved exclusively for the local public.
- Main Grandstand: approximately $509.
- K1 Grandstand: approximately $339.
- F Grandstand: approximately $316.
- B Hillstand: approximately $198.
- C Hillstand: approximately $198.
- G Hillstand: approximately $49 and available exclusively to Malaysian fans.
Children between three and six again receive a 25% discount, with the exception of the G Hillstand, while younger children can enter without a ticket but will not receive an allocated seat.
The discounted rates are strictly reserved for holders of valid Malaysian identification. Any discounted ticket that does not correspond to a valid MyKad, or otherwise fails to satisfy the eligibility requirements, will be invalidated.
Sepang will not receive the Bahrain GP ticket revenue
Despite hosting the Formula 1 weekend, Sepang International Circuit will not generate any revenue from ticket sales. All money raised through ticket sales will instead go directly to the Bahrain Grand Prix organisation.
Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif explained: “All the revenue from ticket sales will go back to Bahrain, so we do not have absolute power to decide certain things.”
Sepang will share the event’s operating costs with the Bahrain Grand Prix organisation, while the latter will cover the Formula 1 hosting fee in full.
According to Azhan Shafriman Hanif, total operating expenditure, including preparation of the circuit, is expected to be around $13 million. Despite receiving no direct ticket revenue, Malaysia considers the Formula 1 event highly beneficial to the country’s wider economy.
Malaysia expects a major economic impact from Formula 1
Azhan Shafriman Hanif highlighted the potential spillover effect of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix: “Looking at the bigger picture, we have to consider the spillover effect. From reports from countries that host an F1 Grand Prix, you can obtain more than three times the value. This means Malaysia has the potential to generate an economic impact of $244 million.”
He also pointed to Formula 1’s renewed global popularity and the extent to which demand for attending races has changed in recent years.
“In the past we had to work hard to sell tickets. Today Formula 1 has built a huge global fan base and created a strong fear of missing out on the event. Since the announcement, we have received enquiries about sponsorships, festivals and commercial activities. It is a good problem to have,” Azhan Shafriman Hanif said.
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