KUALA LUMPUR – Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has no authority to determine ticket prices for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with Bahraini organisers retaining full control over pricing and all revenue generated from ticket sales.
SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the commercial rights for the race remain with Bahrain, despite the event being staged at Sepang International Circuit from Oct 2 to 4.
“We are still in the discussion phase. Based on our preliminary talks, all ticket revenue will go back to Bahrain. So we do not have full authority,” he told reporters at a press conference today.
Azhan acknowledged calls from Malaysian fans for more affordable tickets following the announcement of Formula One’s return to Sepang for the first time since 2017.
“I know many netizens are hoping for cheaper tickets or even ‘Madani’ ticket prices. I will do my best to negotiate a special rate, perhaps for MyKad holders, but the final decision rests with Bahrain,” he said.
He reiterated that Bahrain would retain 100 per cent of ticket revenue, although SIC could still be appointed to manage ticket sales, subject to ongoing negotiations.
“We may be responsible for handling ticket sales, depending on the outcome of discussions with Bahrain, but all the proceeds will go back to Bahrain,” he said.
Azhan added that ticket sales could begin as early as the first week of August if negotiations with the Bahraini organisers are concluded on schedule.
The race is expected to retain its official title, the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, despite being held in Malaysia, subject to final approval from the relevant authorities, including the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Malaysia was confirmed as the replacement host after the Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled earlier this season because of geopolitical tensions in West Asia, ensuring the race remains on the 2026 Formula One calendar.
Sepang last hosted Formula One from 1999 to 2017 before the Malaysian Grand Prix was dropped from the calendar because of rising hosting costs and declining attendance. – July 28, 2026