SEPANG, Oct 5 — The government has initiated discussions regarding the possibility of Malaysia hosting Formula One (F1) racing again, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Talks on hosting the prestigious motorsports event have begun, and further talks will be held with F1 President and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali.
However, he said the matter is still in its early stages.
"That we are discussing with their President, Stefano. But it is too early. He has opened [the door] for discussion and we have to discuss," Anwar told Bernama and RTM after the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) yesterday.
He said this when asked whether Malaysia will return as an F1 host.
Anwar added that any decision to bring the race back to the country's circuit requires careful evaluation, including the importance of hosting the sport for the nation and the cost implications involved.
Earlier, the Prime Minister, together with the Crown Prince cum Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, presented prizes to the winners.
Malaysia had hosted the Malaysian GP at SIC from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the F1 calendar due to organising cost factors.
In July, F1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from Oct 2-4, following an agreement between Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), as well as the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain, seeing the prestigious event return to SIC after nine years.
The return of F1 to Malaysia followed discussions and cooperation involving His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, and King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, alongside both governments, to maintain the Bahrain GP in the 2026 F1 calendar after the race was cancelled earlier this season following geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Yesterday's race, temporarily delayed by heavy rain, saw four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing claim his maiden win of the season. He also won the race the last time F1 was held at SIC in 2017.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes-AMG Petronas finished the race in second place, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, representing Ferrari, completed the podium in third.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Anwar said he had the opportunity to meet Stefano before the race started at the Sepang International Circuit.
“We discussed the prospects of returning the Malaysian Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar on a permanent basis, thereby welcoming the wishes of fans who have long awaited its return to Sepang,” he said.
However, the effort will take time because the race calendar must account for a packed schedule and contractual commitments with existing host countries.
“InsyaAllah (God willing), this matter will be discussed with the Cabinet to examine suitable scopes and directions, taking into account the country's capabilities and its benefits to the economy and the people,” Anwar said.
