SHAH ALAM, July 27 — The return of Formula 1 (F1) to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this October is expected to deliver a major boost to the state’s tourism sector while generating wider economic benefits for local businesses across Selangor.
Tourism Selangor said the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the SIC is expected to encourage higher visitor arrivals and stimulate spending across main sectors, including accommodation, retail, food and beverage, transportation, and tourism attractions.
The event will also reinforce the Visit Selangor Year (VSY) 2026 campaign by encouraging visitors to travel beyond Sepang to other tourism hotspots, including Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Cyberjaya, Kajang, and Bangi, creating wider economic spillover.
“Tourism Selangor believes that the return of F1 to SIC will further boost tourist arrivals, strengthen Selangor's position as Malaysia's premier tourism gateway and generate positive economic spillover for local businesses and the tourism industry.
“Together with the ongoing initiatives under VSY 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026, the event is expected to contribute towards achieving, and potentially surpassing, Selangor's target of nine million tourist arrivals in 2026,” it said in a statement today.
Yesterday, F1 confirmed that Malaysia will host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to October 4, marking the first time in history that a race has been relocated to another country after being cancelled.
The race was originally to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit on the same dates but was cancelled due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Meanwhile, Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling said the event provides an opportunity to showcase the state's diverse tourism offerings to a global audience.
“F1 is more than just a world-class sporting event. It is a global platform that inspires travel and connects destinations with millions of fans worldwide.
“This presents an invaluable opportunity for Selangor to showcase the depth and diversity of experiences available beyond the race circuit, encouraging visitors to explore our cities, forests, culinary scene, and vibrant local communities,” she said in the statement.
Chua added that Tourism Selangor will continue collaborating with airlines, hotels, travel operators, and event organisers to curate travel packages and visitor experiences that promote longer stays and greater exploration of the state.
“Our goal is to ensure that every visitor leaves Selangor with memorable experiences and a desire to return,” she said.
Tourism Selangor noted that the state, as the home of SIC, is well placed to receive F1 fans, international visitors, racing teams, media personnel, and industry stakeholders from around the world.
SIC hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar due to rising organisation costs and sanctioning fees.
