After the success of the Bahrain GP in Malaysia, Malaysia wants Sepang to return permanently to the F1 calendar.
The Bahrain GP in Malaysia was received positively by both fans and drivers after the Sepang circuit once again made an impression. Now, the country intends to host more Grand Prix, possibly even in collaboration with other countries.
The cost of hosting an F1 weekend does not come cheap. However, because the 2026 race replaced the intended Bahrain race, Bahrain covered the largest share of the costs. Reportedly, Malaysia would consider a shared slot on the F1 calendar. Such as the rotating races at Spa and Barcelona.
Weighing the costs and returns before deciding
This year, the Bahrain GP generated approximately $233 million. After the event, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johair told the Dewan Rakyat that discussions had been held between the FOM and the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. According to a written parliamentary reply, Taufiq stated that the race weekend drew 261.000 fans to the circuit and 103.000. fans on the race day.
“Staging F1 is not cheap. It involves quite substantial costs, and there are several important aspects that we need to assess,” Tarfiq told Reuters.
With over 97.000 tickets sold, more than 50.000 tourists, and 5000 workers attending the race, Tarfiq believes hosting more F1 races would be beneficial.
“If we look at 2017, ticket sales were only about 30.000, compared with nearly 100.000 tickets this year.” Mohammed Tarfiq Johari said to Business Today.
Additionally, Malaysia is set to weigh the costs and return on investment, as well as infrastructure requirements, before deciding on its permanent return to F1. Allegedly, the Cabinet will decide after the report is completed in November.
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