Kuala Lumpur, Oct.4 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today presented the title of champion of the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia to Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing, who emerged victorious in the 22nd edition of the event.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister awards the champion of the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia
The event was hosted in Malaysia with the support and blessings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.
His Royal Highness extended his congratulations to the drivers who finished on the podium and to all teams that participated, thanking them for their outstanding performance and spirit, which played a key role in making this year’s race in Malaysia a success.
His Royal Highness stressed that hosting international sporting events is essential to maintaining Bahrain’s prominent position on the global sports stage and highlights the country’s proficiency in motorsports.
He also mentioned that such events strengthen Bahrain’s reputation in the world of sports and support national development under the leadership of His Majesty the King.
His Royal Highness expressed his thanks to His Majesty the King of Malaysia and HE Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, for their consistent support in holding the race in Malaysia, and acknowledged the cooperation that ensured the event’s success.
He also thanked Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, and the participating teams for their support and collaboration, which were vital in making the race successful.
His Royal Highness highlighted the progression of Bahrain-Malaysia relations, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation and working together to promote shared prosperity and growth for both countries and their people.
His Royal Highness praised the efforts of Team Bahrain in organizing the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
His Royal Highness noted that Team Bahrain’s successful management of the race outside the Kingdom, despite significant challenges, demonstrates the expertise, capabilities, and organizational prowess of the Bahraini people.
He further emphasized that Team Bahrain’s ability to consistently achieve success in difficult circumstances enhances the Kingdom’s profile on the international stage and reinforces Bahrain’s capabilities in hosting major global sporting events.
During the event, His Royal Highness visited the circuit, interacted with motorsport fans, and inspected the pit lane and track ahead of the race’s start.
Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes-AMG Petronas and Sir Lewis Hamilton of Scuderia Ferrari HP came in second and third places, respectively.
