There will be no Formula 1 race in Malaysia in foreseeable future, owing to high coasts and tight racing calendar.
Malaysia’s Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed the government’s stance in Parliament on Thursday, dashing speculation about a potential F1 comeback to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Formula One races were held in the country between 1999 and 2017. In 2028, the decision to exit the F1 calendar was made driven by escalating costs and diminishing returns.
“Organising F1 races requires the government to pay about RM300 million annually to Liberty Media, which holds the F1 commercial rights,” Yeoh stated. “Malaysia must also bind itself to a contract of between three to five years, amounting to a commitment of about RM1.5 billion during this period.”
In comparison, Yeoh noted that this amount is more than double the combined annual development costs of 20 national sports programmes — raising questions about priorities and value for money.
Regional Competition Intensifies
The minister also highlighted increasing regional competition. Singapore continues to host a highly successful night race, while Thailand recently announced an ambitious US$1.2 billion bid to stage its first-ever F1 race on the streets of Bangkok starting in 2028.
“The current F1 race calendar is very tight. If Malaysia were to consider returning, we would need to compete with other countries for a spot,” Yeoh added.
Formula One currently features 24 races annually, leaving little room for new or returning hosts without displacement.
Private Sector Participation Welcomed
Despite closing the door on government funding, Yeoh left the door open for private enterprise to revive F1 in Malaysia.
“We are open to the idea if corporate entities are willing to shoulder the costs,” she said. “Interested parties can engage with the Sepang International Circuit for further discussions.”
The state-owned oil and gas company Petronas- a longtime sponsor in Formula One and current title sponsor of the Mercedes-AMG F1 team- had been linked to revival plans. However, the company clarified last year that no formal discussions had taken place regarding the return of F1 to Sepang.
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SIC: Hosting Formula 1 is a Collaborative Effort
Echoing Yeoh’s comments, Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman stressed that any effort to bring back F1 must involve full collaboration across sectors.
“We have to look at how Singapore is hosting it. They have everyone on board — ministries, corporate sponsors, hospitality players. It has to be like that if we bring it back here,” he said.
In the meantime, the SIC continues to host major motorsport events, including MotoGP, which remains a staple of the international racing calendar.
