Malaysia's F1 comeback study to be presented to Cabinet this month - SIC CEO

SEPANG - A feasibility study on bringing Formula One (F1) racing back to Malaysia is expected to be presented to the Cabinet in the third week or towards the end of this month, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said.

He said the study would examine several key aspects, including hosting costs, circuit readiness, infrastructure facilities and potential economic returns, before the government makes any decision.

He said SIC would work with the relevant ministries, particularly the Finance Ministry (MoF) and the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), while also seeking feedback from the private sector and the hospitality and food and beverage (F&B) industries.

"Insya-Allah, we expect the study to be presented towards the end of the month or in the third week of November, depending on the Cabinet meeting slot available to us.

"We need to look at all aspects, including costs, circuit readiness and infrastructure, as hosting F1 is no small undertaking. It is a national project,” he told reporters after the 2026 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) yesterday.

Azhan said that based on preliminary discussions with F1 commercial rights holders, a potential slot for Malaysia to host the race would only be available from 2029.

However, he said SIC would hold further discussions with F1 to explore opportunities and other forms of collaboration that could be pursued in the near future.

He said cost would be a key consideration, given the substantial investment required to host F1, as well as the need to ensure adequate infrastructure preparations.

Meanwhile, Azhan said SIC would also study the F1 tax mechanism to ensure that returns from related economic activities could be channelled back to the government, helping it recoup part of the investment. - BERNAMA