Kuala lumpur: For nearly two decades, Formula One (F1) symbolised Malaysia's motorsport ambition, placing Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on the global calendar through a flagship event alongside MotoGP. Today, industry players say the policy question facing Malaysia is no longer whether it can host major international races, but whether its motorsport ecosystem is sufficiently structured, accessible and financially resilient to support any return to the top tier.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, president of the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), said discussions around a potential return of F1 must be evaluated against cost, readiness and long-term ecosystem strength rather than nostalgia. Hosting costs have skyrocketed, with the initial contract costing around US$12 million compared to more than US$50 million today, further amplified by currency depreciation. Mokhzani emphasised that F1 now demands significant investment beyond the race itself, making it crucial for host countries to assess their capability to meet these demands.
Former SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali, who is also MAM treasurer, said MAM is in the process of finalising a national motorsport blueprint, expected by the second quarter of 2026. This blueprint aims to provide policymakers with a comprehensive view of Malaysia's motorsport ecosystem, highlighting key gaps and structural constraints. Mokhzani mentioned that the blueprint will clarify pathways for participants in both two-wheel and four-wheel motorsport to ensure coordinated development over the next decade.
In December 2025, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari announced the ministry's consideration of proposals to develop additional motorsport circuits across Malaysia. This initiative aims to expand grassroots access and reduce the reliance on a single main venue, aligning with longer-term ecosystem planning.
Former Formula One driver Alex Yoong highlighted the importance of distinguishing between prestige and participation in policy discussions. He warned that high-profile events alone do not create sustainable teams or jobs. Professional drift driver Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel echoed this sentiment, noting that while grassroots participation has grown, there remains a lack of clear entry points for progression within motorsports.
Razlan Razali pointed out that decisions on hosting major motorsport events must reflect sustainable commitments. He noted that MotoGP's cost structure is more aligned with Malaysia's market realities compared to F1. However, he cautioned that successful hosting requires long-term policy stability and commitment.
Douglas Khoo, owner of an endurance racing team, highlighted the prohibitive economics of international motorsport, noting the high costs associated with GT race cars and endurance races. He stressed the importance of strengthening the ecosystem before committing to high-profile international events.
As Malaysia reflects on its F1 chapter, stakeholders agree that future decisions should prioritise ecosystem structure over spectacle and long-term participation over short-term attention. The future of Malaysian motorsport may be shaped by policy choices that align with investment, access, and development over time.