Malaysia is seriously considering a return to the Formula 1 calendar after encouraging figures emerged from the Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sepang. The event generated an estimated economic impact of nearly 950 million ringgit, strengthening the case for the country to examine whether Formula 1 could return on a more permanent basis.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports told parliament that the Bahrain Grand Prix, staged at the Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October, attracted around 261,000 spectators across the race weekend, including approximately 103,000 on race day. The strong attendance and wider economic impact have now prompted further analysis of the costs and benefits of hosting Formula 1 in the future.
Sepang Bahrain GP generated nearly 950 million ringgit
In its written parliamentary reply, the Ministry said: “Based on information from Formula One Management, the event generated an economic impact of nearly 950 million ringgit. The championship was broadcast worldwide and was watched by 827 million viewers.”
It added: “More than 97,000 tickets were sold, with over 50,000 international tourists and around 5,000 foreign workers arriving in Malaysia for the race.”
The figures underline the scale of the event and the wider benefits associated with staging Formula 1 at Sepang, particularly given the international audience and the number of overseas visitors who travelled to Malaysia for the Grand Prix.
Malaysia highlights tourism and business benefits
The Ministry also stressed that the influx of international visitors benefited several areas of the Malaysian economy, including tourism, hospitality, aviation and local small and medium-sized businesses.
It said that the event also strengthened Malaysia’s profile as an international sports and investment destination, helping reinforce the country’s image on the global stage.
That wider exposure is now part of the broader discussion about whether Malaysia should seek a regular place on the Formula 1 calendar again.
Hosting structure reduced some costs for Malaysia
This edition differed from previous Formula 1 events at Sepang because Bahrain covered the hosting rights fees through its collaboration with the Sepang circuit.
However, the Ministry did not disclose the total costs borne by the Malaysian government, leaving the exact level of public financial commitment unclear. That unanswered question is one of the key reasons why a detailed assessment is now being carried out before any decision is made about hosting Formula 1 again on a regular basis.
Cost-benefit study will help shape Malaysia’s F1 decision
The Ministry confirmed that the Sepang International Circuit and an appointed consultancy company are currently carrying out a cost-benefit assessment following the conclusion of the event. The study will examine the organisation costs in detail and compare them with the economic benefits generated by the Grand Prix.
The Ministry explained: “The results of this cost-benefit assessment will be one of the factors taken into consideration when deciding whether Malaysia should consider hosting an F1 Grand Prix again in the future.”
The response came after a parliamentary question from Rodiyah Sapiee, who asked about the economic benefits of the race compared with government spending and whether a cost-benefit study would guide any decision over a regular Formula 1 return.
For now, no permanent comeback has been confirmed. However, the economic impact, strong attendance and international exposure generated by the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang have given Malaysia concrete reasons to examine the possibility of returning to the Formula 1 calendar on a regular basis.
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