Sepang’s F1 podium will have no champagne as Bahrain brings its own tradition

Summary

Alcohol-free rosewater will replace champagne on Sunday’s podium at Sepang.
The choice preserves a Bahrain Grand Prix tradition after the event’s relocation to Malaysia.
Bahrain’s trophies and cultural activities have also travelled to the Malaysian circuit.

There will be no champagne on the podium at Sepang on Sunday. The top three drivers will instead celebrate with alcohol-free rosewater, preserving a Bahrain Grand Prix tradition despite the race taking place in Malaysia.

The unusual arrangement reflects the event’s identity. Although Formula 1 has returned to Sepang for the first time since 2017, this weekend’s race is officially the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Its organisers have brought elements of the Sakhir event with them, including the drink used during the podium celebrations.

What will drivers spray instead of champagne?

The drink is known as ma’al-ward, or Waard, an alcohol-free rosewater beverage made with ingredients from Bahrain. The three podium finishers and a representative of the winning team will use it during the post-race ceremony.

Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa confirmed the arrangement in an exclusive interview with RTM, explaining that the traditional trophy and alcohol-free drink were part of the Bahraini experience being brought to Sepang.

Drivers will still be able to spray their bottles during the celebrations. The familiar podium ritual remains, with Bahrain’s rosewater replacing the champagne.

Why is a Bahrain tradition being used in Malaysia?

The race’s relocation changed its venue while retaining its official identity. Bahrain’s organisers are working alongside their Malaysian counterparts to stage the event, and the podium is one of the clearest examples of that collaboration.

The rosewater is therefore part of the Bahrain Grand Prix ceremony carried over to Sepang. Its use should not be interpreted as evidence of a new Malaysian restriction on Formula 1 podium celebrations.

That distinction matters because the circuit’s return can easily be confused with the revival of the Malaysian Grand Prix. The championship is racing in Malaysia, but the event retains Bahrain’s name and several of its traditions.

Bahrain’s trophies have also travelled to Sepang

Sunday’s winner will receive the Bahrain Grand Prix trophy, which has travelled from Sakhir to Malaysia. The second- and third-place trophies and the winning constructor’s award will also be presented.

All four trophies carry special engraving marking the staging of Bahrain’s Formula 1 race in Malaysia. Together with the rosewater, they give the ceremony a connection to the event’s original home.

The Bahraini presence extends beyond the podium. A Bahrain Village in the fan zone showcases food, music, crafts and other cultural activities, while personnel from Bahrain and Malaysia are involved in organising the weekend.

Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place at Sepang?

The original race at Sakhir was cancelled because of the security situation in the Middle East. Sepang subsequently became the alternative venue for the rescheduled event, allowing Bahrain’s race to return to the 2026 calendar.

Malaysia provides the circuit, while Bahrain retains the event’s name and brings elements of its organisation and hospitality. Fans can read the full explanation of why the Bahrain Grand Prix is taking place in Malaysia for the background to the move.

Sunday’s race starts at 15:00 local time in Malaysia. The rosewater celebration will follow the Grand Prix, once the podium finishers have been determined.

Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.

F1 today: FAQ

Who won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?

Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, 4 October, taking his first victory of the 2026 F1 season. Kimi Antonelli finished second, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium.

Why was the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia delayed?

Heavy rain initially delayed the start at Sepang. Several drivers then experienced power delivery problems during the formation procedure, forcing race control to suspend the start again. The race eventually began more than 90 minutes after its scheduled time.

How far ahead is Kimi Antonelli in the F1 championship?

Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 84 points after finishing second at Sepang while his Mercedes teammate retired. Antonelli has 320 points, Russell has 236 and Lewis Hamilton is third with 214.