Overview

• Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said on Aug 21 that Malaysia has no plans to restore an annual F1 round due to high costs and a tight calendar.
• Hosting would require roughly RM300 million per year and a contract of three to five years, totaling about RM1.5 billion.
• The government is open to the event only if private companies cover the expenses, with interested parties directed to engage the Sepang International Circuit.
• Malaysia would face stiff competition for limited calendar slots, including Singapore and Thailand, which has approved a US$1.2 billion bid for a 2028 Bangkok race.
• SIC’s chief executive called the costs very expensive, economists urged against public funding, and Petronas—holder of Sepang’s naming rights—has denied holding talks despite earlier Reuters reporting.