Sepang eyes F1 return with Cabinet proposal due in November

Racing Bulls’ New Zealand driver Liam Lawson steers his car during the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang on October 4, 2026. — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 4:45 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is drafting a feasibility study on bringing back the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix (GP) to Malaysia, to be presented to the Cabinet in November.

SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said it was currently holding engagement sessions with the government, relevant agencies and industry players to obtain accurate information and data for inclusion in the study.

He said the findings would serve as one of the factors for the government to consider before deciding whether Malaysia should return as host of the prestigious race.

“We are in the process of preparing a feasibility study of bringing F1 racing back to Malaysia. In November, we will present a proposal paper to the Cabinet for the government to decide whether to agree to the proposal.

“During this period, we expect to hold engagement sessions with the government, relevant agencies and industry players to ensure that the data presented is accurate,” he told Bernama recently.

Azhan Shafriman said the study would emphasise the economic impact of hosting F1, in addition to assessing the country’s level of preparedness, especially in terms of traffic congestion management and public transport facilities.

On the prospects of Malaysia returning as host of F1, he described the country’s chances as 50-50, as the final decision would depend on the government’s consideration of the study’s findings.

“For now, it is still 50-50. It’s difficult for me to say yes or no (whether it will happen or not). But, insya-Allah, we will provide verified data or information to help the government come to a decision,” he added.

Meanwhile, on the possibility of Sepang serving as an alternative venue for international races amid tensions in West Asia, Azhan Shafriman said the SIC had so far not received any approaches from countries affected by the conflict.

However, he said the SIC remains open to discussions should the need arise, taking into account the preparation time required to host a race.

Malaysia last hosted an F1 race in 2017.

After nine years, Sepang once again hosted an F1 race – the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 – from Oct 2-4 following the conflict in West Asia and an agreement involving Formula One, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia. — Bernama