Malaysia is evaluating a permanent return to the Formula 1 calendar following the successful hosting of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. This event has prompted renewed discussions regarding the circuit’s future involvement in the sport.
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix was relocated to Sepang due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which prevented the race from taking place at its original venue. This temporary calendar adjustment saw the Sepang circuit step in as a replacement.
Bahrain reportedly covered the largest share of the hosting costs for this replacement race. This arrangement mitigated the financial burden on Malaysia for the 2026 event.
The recent Grand Prix at Sepang, held from October 2-4, generated approximately $233 million in economic returns. This figure is a key factor in Malaysia’s current assessment of a long-term commitment.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johair confirmed that preliminary discussions have taken place between Formula One Management (FOM) and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Taufiq stated in a written parliamentary reply that the race weekend drew a record 261,000 spectators to the circuit over three days. This attendance surpassed Sepang’s previous F1 record of 126,690 from the 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix.
The event recorded 103,000 fans attending on race day alone. Over 97,000 tickets were sold for the event.
This figure represents a significant increase compared to the approximately 30,000 tickets sold for the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.
The Minister highlighted the economic benefits, including over 50,000 international tourists and 5,000 foreign workers involved in the race.
“Staging F1 is not cheap. It involves quite substantial costs, and there are several important aspects that we need to assess,” Taufiq told Reuters.
Sepang previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix annually from 1999 until its departure from the calendar in 2017. Declining ticket sales and rising hosting fees were primary factors in its initial exit.
Malaysia is considering a shared slot on the F1 calendar, potentially in collaboration with other countries. This model involves rotating races, similar to arrangements seen with circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
This rotating race concept allows venues to manage the substantial costs associated with hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix. It also helps maintain a presence on the global schedule.
The Malaysian government is currently undertaking a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis and return on investment study regarding a permanent F1 return. Infrastructure requirements are also being assessed.
An inter-ministerial F1 assessment committee, led by the Youth and Sports Ministry, is evaluating the feasibility.
The committee’s findings are expected to be presented to the Cabinet by November. A decision on a permanent F1 return will follow the completion of this report.
