The name “Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” is one of the strangest race names in the history of the “Formula 1 World Championship.”
The war in Iran, forest fires, and a large dose of nostalgia are the most prominent topics this week, as Formula 1 prepares to hold the Bahrain Grand Prix 3,750 miles (6,000 kilometers) from the country that bears its name.
The last Formula 1 race was at the Malaysian Sepang Circuit in 2017, when 12 of the 22 drivers on the list of participants this year had not yet competed in their first race in the championship. Kimi Antonelli, the current leader of the standings, was only 11 years old.
How did the “Bahrain Grand Prix” end up in Malaysia?
The Formula 1 race was originally scheduled to be held in Bahrain last March or April, but the race and the Saudi Grand Prix were canceled after Iran launched attacks on the two countries in response to American and Israeli air strikes.
Canceling two races in two important and profitable markets in the Middle East led to financial losses for Formula 1 and its teams, and the decision to add an alternative race in Malaysia came with the aim of reducing this impact. The race continued to be called the “Bahrain Grand Prix” after intense talks in which the governments of the two countries participated.
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister, said that the decision to move the race represents evidence of “Bahrain’s commitment to (Formula 1) and its passion for it.”
The race comes between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and next week's race in nearby Singapore.
Using another country's name has happened before
Bahrain is reviving an old tradition in Formula 1, joining Switzerland, San Marino and Luxembourg, which are countries that have officially hosted Formula 1 races that were actually held outside their territories.
In previous cases during the 1980s and 1990s, Formula 1 wanted to give countries such as France, Italy and Germany a second race, but was forced to circumvent a rule that assigned each country only one race.
As security concerns continue ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix next November and the final round in Abu Dhabi in December, Formula 1 is considering a backup option in Europe, with the Italian Imola circuit considered the most prominent candidate. The championship may also retain the name of a race from the Middle East region if this option is used.
Rain is expected... and the wet Sepang circuit could provide excitement
When it rains in Sepang, it is heavy. During the previous period in which Malaysia hosted the Formula 1 race between 1999 and 2017, the circuit gained fame due to sudden rain showers that added excitement to the races and sometimes led to unexpected results.
Rain and even thunderstorms are possible over the weekend, which could pave the way for the first race on wet tracks since major changes to the regulations were introduced in 2026. The closest experience to the championship since then was at the Dutch Grand Prix, when rain fell as the drivers finished the short race.
Pollution haze affects vision
Even if it does not rain, visibility may not be good for drivers and fans due to pollution haze affecting the atmosphere.
Malaysia's smog crisis is largely due to forest and peatland fires in neighboring Indonesia. It was exacerbated by dry weather.
The authorities monitor air quality and hotspots, while the government implements artificial cloud seeding operations when conditions permit, in an attempt to reduce the effects of fog. High levels of pollution can cause breathing problems, as well as irritation of the eyes or throat, especially in those most susceptible.
