- Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is drafting a feasibility study on bringing Formula One back to Malaysia, with a proposal paper going to the Cabinet in November
- The government is separately weighing hosting costs against economic returns, after the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang reportedly drew more than 100,000 ticket buyers
Kuala Lumpur, October 26, 2026 – Malaysia is edging closer to a decision on whether Formula One should return to the country on a regular basis. SIC is preparing a feasibility study that will go before the Cabinet next month, as the government reviews whether the benefits of hosting justify the cost.
SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the circuit is consulting government bodies, relevant agencies and industry players so that the data in the study is accurate and reliable. The paper will focus on the economic impact of hosting a race, and will also assess the country’s readiness, especially in managing traffic congestion and providing public transport.
“For now, it is still 50-50,” said Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit, describing Malaysia’s chances of securing a return. He said SIC’s role is to provide verified information so the government can make an informed decision.
The discussion follows the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, held at Sepang from October 2 to 4, 2026. The race was relocated to Malaysia under an arrangement involving Formula One, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, after tensions in West Asia affected the original plans. It was the first Formula One race at the circuit in nine years. Malaysia hosted a Grand Prix from 1999 until 2017, when the government pulled out citing rising hosting fees and falling ticket sales.
Government weighs costs against returns
The study sits alongside a wider government assessment. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari told the Dewan Rakyat earlier this month that hosting Formula One is expensive, and that the Cabinet will decide after receiving a report in November. The assessment is being led through an inter-ministerial committee, so that responsibility does not rest on the Youth and Sports Ministry and SIC alone.
The minister said the economic benefits should reach beyond the ministry and the circuit to sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transport and retail. He also stressed that a possible Formula One return must not come at the expense of other sports development programmes, including local racing talent supported through the Malaysia Touring Car Championship and the Sepang 1000km race.
Bahrain Grand Prix puts Sepang back in the conversation
Interest in a return has been boosted by the turnout in October. Reports indicate that ticket sales for the Bahrain Grand Prix exceeded 100,000, compared with about 30,000 at Malaysia’s last Formula One race in 2017. The event also followed diplomatic cooperation between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and the two governments, which kept the Bahrain race on the 2026 calendar.
Open to alternatives
On whether Sepang could host races displaced by tensions in West Asia, Azhan said SIC has not been approached by any affected country so far. The circuit remains open to discussions if the need arises, bearing in mind the preparation time a race requires.
The minister has also noted that Formula One management has floated the idea of Malaysia hosting a Grand Prix once every few years in collaboration with other countries, rather than every year.
Key dates and next steps
Cabinet presentation: November 2026, with the SIC feasibility study Evaluation report: expected to be completed by the end of November 2026 Decision: the Cabinet will decide whether Formula One returns to Malaysia
About Sepang International Circuit
Sepang International Circuit is Malaysia’s home of international motorsport. It holds the FIA Grade 1 licence required to stage Formula One races and continues to host MotoGP events.
