Malaysia hosted Formula 1 (F1) again over the weekend, with the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) stepping in as a replacement venue for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The successful event may naturally raise the question of whether Malaysia could consider bringing the race back to Sepang on its own.
According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the government has already started discussions over the possibility of Malaysia hosting F1 again. He said the door has been opened for further discussions with F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, although the matter remains at an early stage.
“That we are discussing with their President, Stefano. But it’s too early. He has opened [the door] for discussion and we have to discuss,” Anwar said. He added that any decision would require careful consideration, including the importance of hosting F1 for Malaysia and the costs involved.
SIC Is Ready To Host Again
Meanwhile, Motorsports Associations of Malaysia (MAM) president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir said SIC has the capability and experience needed to host F1 again. He noted that the circuit’s previous experience in organising the race remains intact, allowing its management to handle the event if given the opportunity.
However, Mokhzani said the decision would ultimately depend on the government, particularly after considering the economic impact and multiplier effect of hosting F1. He said the benefits could extend beyond SIC, as international visitors would also spend money on accommodation, food and tourism in Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the country.
Mokhzani also suggested a five-year “3+2” contract as an ideal arrangement if Malaysia were to return to the F1 calendar. Under such a deal, the initial three-year commitment could be followed by another two years, giving spectators and F1 management greater certainty when making travel and scheduling plans.
He added that MAM would always want F1 to continue in Malaysia, although the financial resources required to stage the event could mean that government support is necessary. The strong response to this weekend’s race, which reportedly saw 105,000 tickets sold, also demonstrated that there remains significant interest in F1 among Malaysian fans.
As previously noted by SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif, the financial commitment would be significantly higher if Malaysia were to secure a permanent slot on the F1 calendar. He estimated that the hosting rights alone could cost between over RM300 million before taking local preparation costs into account.
F1 Also Brings Opportunities For Local Traders
Additionally, the return of F1 to SIC also provided an opportunity for around 40 local traders to earn additional income through the Karnival Litar Rasa MADANI. Held at the G Hillstand in conjunction with the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain GP, the carnival featured local food and beverage vendors offering snacks and light refreshments.
Anwar said the initiative was intended to ensure that the excitement surrounding F1 could also generate economic benefits for local traders. Visitors were able to enjoy local food while watching the race, giving businesses an opportunity to benefit from the large crowd at SIC.
For now, however, Malaysia’s return to the F1 calendar remains only a possibility. Any decision to host the race again would still depend on further discussions with F1 and an assessment of whether the economic benefits justify the cost of bringing the event back to Sepang.
