RTM to Broadcast F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Live in Malaysia

Malaysians will have free access to the live broadcast of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) confirmed to air the race weekend starting today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the initiative on his official social media channels, highlighting the broadcast as an effort to ensure citizens across the country can experience the return of high-level motorsport to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

The broadcast schedule covers the full race weekend, which runs from October 2 to October 4, 2026. According to the original publisher, paultan.org, the event kicked off with two free practice sessions on Friday, October 2. The action continues on Saturday, October 3, with the third practice session and the qualifying rounds. The main 56-lap race is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, with lights out at 3:00 pm.

To facilitate this, RTM has secured a collaboration with beIN Sports. Fans can tune in to the live race coverage via the free-to-air channel TV Okey or stream the broadcast digitally through the RTMKlik mobile application. The use of RTMKlik leverages infrastructure previously proven during major international sporting events, ensuring that users with a stable internet connection can watch the race on the go.

The return of the race to the Sepang International Circuit marks a significant milestone, ending a nine-year hiatus for the venue. The demand for the event has been unprecedented; SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif reported that nearly 100,000 tickets have been sold, setting a new record for the venue. This high turnout reflects the enduring appetite for global motorsports among the Malaysian public.

For the average Malaysian consumer, this broadcast provides a significant cost-saving opportunity. With the rising costs of living and the current economic landscape, where fuel prices remain a point of discussion—such as the unsubsidised RON95 petrol costing RM4.52 per litre—the ability to enjoy world-class sports without the need for expensive private cable or streaming subscriptions is a notable benefit. It allows families to engage with premium content without adding to their monthly household expenditure.

Furthermore, the surge in interest around the Sepang race offers a morale boost to the local tourism and services sector. With a 6.0% year-on-year real GDP growth reported for the latest quarter, the influx of domestic and international visitors to the circuit serves as a catalyst for local SMEs in the hospitality and transport industries. The event acts as a high-visibility platform that highlights Malaysia’s capacity to host international events, potentially drawing future investment into the local sports-tech and event management ecosystems.

This development arrives at a time when Malaysia is balancing growth with stability, evidenced by an unemployment rate that stood at 3.0% as of July 2026. Major sporting events often serve as labor-intensive projects, creating temporary employment and providing a platform for local technical talent to gain experience in broadcast production and event logistics. This, in turn, helps maintain momentum in the service-oriented sectors of the economy.

The return of F1 to Malaysia is more than just a race; it is a signal of the nation's re-emergence as a hub for major international sporting circuits. While the current focus is on the weekend’s broadcast, the long-term impact on Malaysia’s sports tourism strategy remains to be seen. Industry observers will likely watch closely to see if this success leads to further investment in circuit infrastructure or more frequent high-profile racing events in the coming years.

The specific terms of the deal between RTM and beIN Sports, including any financial details regarding the broadcast rights, have not been disclosed. Additionally, it remains unconfirmed whether this collaboration signifies a permanent shift in how international motorsports will be aired on public television in future seasons.