SHAH ALAM, July 27 — The return of Formula 1 to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is expected to generate long-term economic benefits for Malaysia that extend beyond tourism, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
The New Straits Times reported that he said hosting the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to October 4 is a strong endorsement of Malaysia's world-class motorsport facilities, as the sport's global audience will provide extensive international exposure for the country.
"The economic impact cannot only be seen from the immediate effect in terms of inbound tourists, but also in terms of coverage, news reporting, and events worldwide, because the audience and viewership numbers are in the billions.
"This will give medium- and long-term benefits to our country," he said after officiating the National Air Disaster Readiness 2026 Workshop at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.
Zahid added that the SIC has not been fully utilised since Malaysia last hosted the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.
Yesterday, Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation confirmed that the SIC will host the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix this year as a replacement venue.
The Bahrain round was initially scheduled for April but plans to reschedule it later this year were abandoned following the escalation of West Asian conflict in the region.
He noted that Formula 1’s return to the SIC presents the ideal opportunity to re-establish the circuit as one of the world's leading motorsport venues.
"(The circuit) has world-class facilities and it is a shame that for so long they have not been used except for MotoGP, which I have never missed a single year.
"But this is the best opportunity for Formula 1 and, for me, the long-term impact is very good," Zahid said.
He also expressed hope that this year's race will strengthen Malaysia's bid to secure a permanent place on the F1 calendar.
Drawing comparisons with the MotoGP model, Zahid said the Cabinet, on the instruction of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had decided that future races would no longer rely solely on government funding, but instead be supported through a combination of development projects, sponsorships, and joint organising arrangements.
