SIC to Present F1 Malaysia Return Study in November

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has announced a feasibility study to bring Formula 1 racing back to Malaysia on 26 October 2026, with findings scheduled for presentation to the Cabinet in November 2026. The evaluation will serve as the primary basis for the Malaysian government to determine whether the country will return to hosting the championship.

Chief Executive Officer of SIC Azhan Shafriman Hanif confirmed to Bernama that the circuit operator is currently conducting engagement sessions with the government, relevant statutory agencies, and industry stakeholders. These discussions are designed to compile accurate figures and data, specifically assessing the overall economic impact as well as domestic public transport capacity and traffic congestion management readiness.

Key Facts

The feasibility study conducted by Sepang International Circuit establishes key benchmarks, timelines, and operational parameters for the potential return of Formula 1 to Malaysia. It details submission dates to the Cabinet, evaluation criteria regarding public infrastructure readiness, and historical event hosting records based strictly on verified circuit administrative data.

Sepang International Circuit will formally submit its Formula 1 feasibility proposal to the Malaysian Cabinet in November 2026.

What Are the Chances of Formula 1 Returning to Malaysia?

The probability of Formula 1 returning to Malaysia is currently rated at 50-50 by Sepang International Circuit management. A final determination depends entirely on the Malaysian government's review of the feasibility study, which assesses national economic returns alongside the country's transport infrastructure preparedness before any hosting commitment is made.

Azhan Shafriman Hanif noted that providing a definitive confirmation remains impossible until ministers evaluate the findings. To support this process, SIC is actively consulting public and private sector partners to ensure all operational and commercial projections submitted to the Cabinet remain robust.

"At this point, it is still 50-50. It is difficult for me to say whether it is a yes or a no. But God willing, we will provide verified data and information for the government to make a decision,"Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit

Regarding possibilities of Sepang acting as an alternative venue amid geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, SIC confirmed it has received no direct approaches from affected countries, though it remains open to discussions provided adequate preparation timelines are granted.

Sepang International Circuit confirmed that the prospects of Malaysia hosting Formula 1 again remain at 50-50 pending a Cabinet decision.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This feasibility initiative directly affects Malaysian transport planners, public transit users, and motorsport industry stakeholders assessing the logistical demands of major international events. The assessment specifically analyses domestic traffic congestion management and the capacity of existing public transport facilities to support large-scale spectator movement around the Sepang circuit.

The outcome will dictate whether federal agencies need to coordinate broad traffic mitigation strategies and public transport links around the circuit. Sepang previously demonstrated operational capability following a nine-year break by staging the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from 2 to 4 October 2026 under a special agreement between Formula One, the FIA, and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia.

The government feasibility study focuses on public transport infrastructure and traffic congestion management required to host Formula 1 at Sepang.

Common Questions

When will the Malaysian government decide on the return of Formula 1?

The Malaysian Cabinet is scheduled to receive the feasibility study proposal from Sepang International Circuit in November 2026. The government will evaluate the economic impact and infrastructural readiness data presented in the paper before deciding whether to approve the return.

When did Sepang International Circuit last host a Formula 1 race?

Malaysia officially last hosted its own Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2017. However, after nine years, Sepang hosted the replacement Gulf Air Bahrain GP 2026 from 2 to 4 October 2026 under an agreement between Formula One, the FIA, and the Malaysian and Bahraini governments.

Has Sepang been approached to replace other international races due to Middle East conflicts?

Sepang International Circuit has not received any formal approaches from countries affected by conflicts in West Asia to act as an alternative host venue. However, circuit management remains open to discussions if required, subject to adequate preparation time.

Sources and Methodology

This report synthesises factual disclosures from the original publication by Careta, titled "SIC Bentang Kajian Kebolehlaksanaan Bawa Kembali F1 Ke Malaysia November Ini", which cites statements provided directly by Sepang International Circuit Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif to Bernama.

Original report: Careta

All source material was translated from the original Malay text into British English. No currency conversions were required as no financial figures were stated in the source text. This article is based on the source report above and was last updated on 27 October 2026.