SIC has capability, experience to host F1 again, says Mokhzani

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

SEPANG, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- Motorsports Associations of Malaysia (MAM) president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir stated on Saturday that Sepang International Circuit (SIC) possesses the requisite capability and experience to host Formula 1 (F1) races again, should Malaysia secure the opportunity in the future.

However, Mokhzani clarified that the decision to bring F1 back to Malaysia on a permanent basis is not solely within the purview of the circuit or the MAM. He noted that such a strategic move would ultimately depend on the government, which must first conduct a thorough assessment of the economic impact and financial viability of hosting the race.

While the MAM would always prefer the continuation of F1 in Malaysia, Mokhzani acknowledged that the substantial financial resources required to stage the event might necessitate government support.

Mokhzani highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating that the impact would extend well beyond the circuit itself. He explained that visitors attending the race would also stay in Kuala Lumpur and travel to other destinations, thereby generating a significant multiplier effect for the broader tourism and hospitality sectors. "In terms of the circuit’s capability, we can do it.

As for the financial capability and so on, I am sure that if we look at the economic impact and multiplier effect, it would be significant," he said. He added, "Everyone can benefit, to some extent, from what F1 actually brings to Malaysia."

Regarding the contractual framework for a potential return, Mokhzani proposed a five-year '3+2' contract as the ideal arrangement. He explained that this structure would provide greater certainty for organizers, fans, and Formula 1 management. "It is usually a five-year contract. With a 3+2 arrangement, we want spectators who plan to come to be able to make arrangements.

In the first year, those who have never been to Malaysia can see what the country has to offer," he said.

Mokhzani elaborated on the benefits of this timeline for international visitors, noting that the initial year would serve as an introduction to the country. "Then, in the second year, they can plan where to stay and where to go before and after the F1 race. This would also make it easier for the F1 management to schedule our race," he said.

This approach aims to maximize the tourism yield by encouraging repeat visits and extended stays.

The current event has already demonstrated strong public appetite for F1 in Malaysia, with 105,000 tickets reportedly sold for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. When asked if he was surprised by the turnout, Mokhzani attributed the overwhelming response to fans making up for the absence of F1 from Malaysia since 2017. "I was told that 105,000 tickets had been sold and I was surprised to see people turning up even for practice on Friday.

Yesterday’s qualifying session was also packed and today, we expect even more people," he said.

The presence of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia follows a significant development in July, when Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host venue for the race from October 2 to 4. This arrangement was reached following an agreement between Formula 1, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The move was necessitated after the Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled earlier in the season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at SIC from 1999 to 2017, a period that saw the circuit become a regular fixture on the F1 calendar before the race was dropped. The current event serves as a test case for the circuit's readiness and the market's demand, providing data that could inform future government decisions on reinstating a permanent Malaysian Grand Prix.

The successful execution of the Bahrain race in Sepang underscores the logistical and operational capacity of the venue to handle major international sporting events.