Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, and national carrier Gulf Air are continuing their long-standing partnership ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026.

The F1 event will take place at Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4, with Gulf Air returning as the race’s title sponsor.

The partnership reflects the close relationship between BIC, Gulf Air and Formula 1, dating back to the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004.

As part of the race weekend, Gulf Air will support Team Bahrain in showcasing the Kingdom to an international audience.

One of the highlights will be the airline’s traditional fly-past during the pre-race programme on October 4, providing a spectacle for thousands of spectators at the circuit and millions of viewers worldwide.

Ahead of the event, Gulf Air announced the launch of direct flights between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur from September 29.

The new service will strengthen the airline’s connectivity with the Far East while providing F1 fans and other travellers with direct access to the Malaysian capital.

The Gulf Air Fan Zone at Sepang International Circuit will also be open to all ticket holders throughout the race weekend, giving spectators an opportunity to engage with the event beyond the track action.

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of BIC, said the circuit was proud to continue working with Gulf Air and highlighted the airline’s role as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix for more than two decades.

He said BIC and Gulf Air, as representatives of Bahrain to the global motorsport community, were pleased to work together during the Grand Prix weekend at Sepang. He added that the event would be a historic occasion for the sport and an opportunity for Team Bahrain to showcase the Kingdom internationally.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air, said the airline’s partnership with BIC and Formula 1 had continued for more than 20 years, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting Bahrain through one of the world’s leading sporting platforms.

He said Gulf Air was proud, as Bahrain’s national carrier, to continue as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, describing the partnership as a symbol of the Kingdom’s global presence and ambition.

Gauss added that the Malaysian race weekend would provide an opportunity to introduce Bahrain to a global audience while marking the launch of Gulf Air’s new direct Kuala Lumpur service.

He said Gulf Air, together with Team Bahrain, looked forward to showcasing the Kingdom’s hospitality, connectivity and international outlook. -TradeArabia News Service