Malaysia in Talks to Rejoin Formula 1 Says PM Anwar
The Malaysian Grand Prix hosting proposal is an official government initiative evaluating the return of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) in Selangor. Overseen by the Malaysian Government alongside Formula 1 management, the initiative explores reinstating Malaysia as a permanent venue on the motorsport calendar, addressing long-term sports tourism and economic objectives for domestic motorsport enthusiasts and local commercial sectors.
Key Facts
The potential reinstatement of Formula 1 in Malaysia involves government cabinet evaluations, international motorsport calendar coordination, and record-setting circuit attendance at Sepang International Circuit following the recent October 2026 event.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Venue | Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Sepang, Selangor |
| Motorsport Rights Holder | Formula 1 (President and CEO: Stefano Domenicali) |
| Lead Government Official | Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim |
| Evaluation Body | Cabinet of Malaysia |
| Main Race Attendance (4 October 2026) | 103,000 spectators |
| Three-Day Weekend Attendance (2026) | 261,000 spectators |
| Previous SIC All-Time Record (2008 Malaysian GP) | 126,690 spectators |
| 2026 Race Winner | Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) |
| Previous SIC Formula 1 Victory | Max Verstappen (2017 Malaysian Grand Prix) |
Malaysia has formally initiated preliminary discussions with Formula 1 management to explore re-entering the world championship calendar at the Sepang International Circuit.
Will the Malaysian Grand Prix Return as a Permanent F1 Fixture?
The return of the Malaysian Grand Prix depends on formal Malaysian Cabinet approval and global calendar availability governed by existing international contracts. While Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed direct discussions with Formula 1 leadership, structuring a permanent slot requires balancing the sport's congested schedule against existing multi-year commitments with other host nations.
Prime Minister Anwar engaged in formal talks with Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali at the Sepang International Circuit prior to the main race on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Anwar confirmed that reinstating the race requires careful logistical and financial review.
“We discussed the prospect of bringing back the Malaysian Grand Prix as a permanent fixture on the Formula 1 calendar, fulfilling the hopes of fans who have long awaited its return to Sepang. However, this effort will take time, as structuring the race calendar requires taking into account a tight schedule and existing contractual commitments with current host countries,”
— Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim via Facebook
Anwar confirmed that the proposal will be presented to the federal cabinet to evaluate financial viability, logistical capabilities, and long-term public and economic dividends. Any official decision to bring Formula 1 back to Sepang as a permanent championship round requires approval from the Malaysian Cabinet.
What Were the Attendance Numbers for the 2026 Race at Sepang?
The 2026 race weekend at Sepang International Circuit attracted 261,000 total spectators, establishing a new record for motorsport attendance in Malaysia. Race organisers recorded 103,000 attendees for Sunday's main Grand Prix event alone, surpassing the circuit's previous historical milestone set during the 2008 championship.
According to national news agency Bernama, the 261,000 three-day attendance figure eclipsed Sepang International Circuit's previous record of 126,690 spectators set during the 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix. The dramatic 2026 race featured severe tropical rainfall delays, starting software errors, and extensive overtaking before Max Verstappen crossed the line in first place, repeating his previous Sepang victory from 2017 after a nine-year interval.
Official attendance for the 2026 race weekend at Sepang International Circuit reached 261,000 spectators, surpassing the prior venue record of 126,690 established in 2008.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
Reinstating a Malaysian round targets domestic motorsport enthusiasts, international regional visitors, and local retail and hospitality businesses throughout Greater Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. It caters to urban commuters travelling from Klang Valley condominiums to Sepang, while stimulating tourism revenue across domestic transport, hotel, and food service sectors.
Local spectator logistics require planning for Peninsular Malaysia's tropical climate conditions, where sudden afternoon downpours routinely test Sepang's drainage capacity and cause race delays, as observed during the October 2026 event. For domestic attendees travelling via expressways from Petaling Jaya and central Kuala Lumpur, the circuit remains a key sports tourism anchor. The economic benefits under cabinet consideration weigh staging costs against revenue generated across local commercial sectors.
A permanent Malaysian Grand Prix provides significant commercial benefits to Selangor and Kuala Lumpur hotels, transport operators, and retail businesses.
Common Questions
When did Formula 1 last race permanently at Sepang before 2026?
Sepang International Circuit held its final contracted Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix in October 2017, where Max Verstappen secured victory, before hosting the special Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia in October 2026.
Who won the 2026 Formula 1 race held at Sepang?
Max Verstappen won the 2026 race held at Sepang International Circuit on Sunday, 4 October 2026, marking back-to-back victories at the circuit nine years apart following his previous triumph at the track in 2017.
What must happen before Malaysia rejoins the F1 calendar permanently?
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must present the proposal to the Malaysian Cabinet to evaluate public and economic benefits, while Formula 1 management resolves scheduling constraints and contractual commitments with existing international host circuits.
Sources and Methodology
This report compiles official ministerial statements, race management disclosures, and verified press coverage regarding the Malaysian Grand Prix. Information synthesises primary reporting from Paul Tan's Automotive News, official Facebook statements published by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and official attendance reporting from the national news agency Bernama.
No currency figures or secondary estimates were aggregated or derived outside verified disclosures. This article was last updated on 5 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against reporting by Paul Tan's Automotive News and Bernama.
Official reporting on the potential return of Formula 1 to Malaysia is verified through statements from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Bernama, and circuit organisers.