Malaysia is taking another step towards a potential return to the Formula 1 calendar, with the Sepang International Circuit preparing a feasibility study aimed at reviving the Malaysian Grand Prix. The proposal will be presented to the Malaysian Cabinet in November, allowing the government to assess whether the country should commit the necessary funding to bring Formula 1 back on a regular basis.
Azhan Shafriman Hanif, CEO of the Sepang International Circuit, has confirmed that discussions are currently taking place with government representatives, relevant agencies and industry stakeholders. The objective is to gather accurate information for the feasibility study, whose findings will become an important factor in the government’s eventual decision. The initiative follows Malaysia’s renewed consideration of a permanent Formula 1 return after the circuit successfully hosted the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix earlier in October.
Malaysia F1 return: Sepang prepares November feasibility study
Sepang’s management intends to present a detailed proposal to the Malaysian Cabinet in November, outlining the practical and financial implications of bringing the Formula 1 World Championship back to the country. The document will be developed through consultations with the government, relevant public agencies and representatives from the motorsport and business sectors.
Explaining the process, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said: “We are in the process of preparing a feasibility study of bringing F1 racing back to Malaysia. In November, we will present a proposal paper to the Cabinet for the government to decide whether to agree to the proposal. During this period, we expect to hold engagement sessions with the government, relevant agencies and industry players to ensure that the data presented is accurate.”
The study will place particular emphasis on the economic impact of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Alongside the financial implications, it will assess Malaysia’s readiness to organise another major international motorsport event, especially in relation to traffic congestion management and the availability of public transport facilities.
These considerations will help determine whether a regular Malaysian Grand Prix would represent a sustainable commitment for the country. Although Sepang has already demonstrated its ability to stage Formula 1 events, a permanent calendar agreement would require the government to evaluate the wider costs and benefits of hosting the championship.
Sepang CEO assesses chances of Malaysian Grand Prix comeback at 50-50
Despite the progress being made towards submitting a formal proposal, the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix remains far from guaranteed. Azhan Shafriman Hanif has described the prospects as evenly balanced, stressing that the final decision will depend on the government’s assessment of the feasibility study.
“For now, it is still 50-50. It’s difficult for me to say yes or no. But, God willing, we will provide verified data and information to help the government make a decision,” the Sepang CEO explained.
His comments underline the distinction between the circuit’s ambition to welcome Formula 1 back and securing the financial and political support required to make that ambition a reality. The feasibility study is intended to provide the government with a clearer basis for deciding whether Malaysia should pursue a new agreement to host the championship.
The latest initiative builds on the momentum generated by the discussions surrounding a future Malaysian Grand Prix, which have gained renewed attention following Formula 1’s recent return to the circuit.
Sepang hosted the 2026 Bahrain GP nine years after Malaysia’s last F1 race
Malaysia last hosted its own Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2017, bringing an end to a long association between the championship and the Sepang International Circuit. Nine years later, however, Formula 1 returned to the Malaysian venue under exceptional circumstances.
From 2 to 4 October 2026, Sepang hosted the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was relocated following tensions in the Middle East. The unusual arrangement was made possible through an agreement involving Formula One Management, the FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia.
Although the race took place in Malaysia, it retained the official Bahrain Grand Prix identity rather than representing the permanent revival of the Malaysian Grand Prix. Nevertheless, the event brought Formula 1 back to Sepang and provided an opportunity to demonstrate the circuit’s ability to accommodate the championship once again.
The circumstances surrounding the event, including the decision to move the race from Bahrain and the preparations required to stage it in Malaysia, are explored in our report on how the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix was relocated to Sepang.
The circuit’s return to the calendar after such a long absence has also renewed attention on its history and characteristics. Sepang remains a recognised Formula 1 venue, and the history of the Sepang International Circuit helps explain why the possibility of a regular Malaysian Grand Prix continues to attract interest.
Sepang remains open to hosting additional international races
Alongside the feasibility study for a permanent Formula 1 return, Sepang has also addressed the possibility of becoming an alternative venue for international motorsport events affected by tensions in the Middle East.
Azhan Shafriman Hanif confirmed that the circuit has not received any approaches from countries involved in the regional conflict regarding the relocation of additional races. However, he emphasised that Sepang remains open to potential discussions should opportunities arise.
Any such arrangement would need to account for the preparation time required to organise an international race. The availability of the circuit alone would not be sufficient, as organisers would also need to consider the operational and logistical arrangements associated with staging a major championship event.
For now, the immediate priority is the feasibility study scheduled for submission to the Malaysian Cabinet in November. The government’s evaluation will determine whether Sepang’s renewed Formula 1 ambitions can progress beyond the planning stage and develop into a permanent return of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
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