Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain GP) in October could provide an economic boost through tourism and related industries. It would also serve as a "litmus test" for the government to evaluate the future of Formula 1 (F1) in the country, motorsport industry leaders said today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sepang International Circuit's (SIC) former chief executive officer, Datuk Razlan Razali, highlighted the strategic importance of hosting this one-off race. Razlan noted Malaysia's cost-effective edge compared to other potential tracks like Portimao, emphasizing the event's broad appeal. "This is good for Malaysia regardless of whether it is the Bahrain GP or whoever is organising it, all Malaysians can enjoy this one-off event," Razlan stated.
On Sunday, Formula 1 and the F©d©ration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) confirmed that Malaysia will host the Bahrain GP at the SIC from Oct 2-4, 2026, subject to final agreements and official sign-off, including the approval of the World Motor Sport Council. The timing of the race, set between the F1 Azerbaijan GP and the F1 Singapore GP, places Malaysia in a strategic position on the F1 calendar.
Razlan addressed potential logistical challenges, asserting that the SIC is well-prepared to host the event without significant changes, although any infrastructure upgrades would depend on Bahrain. "The SIC is managed and operated to the highest standards at all times, especially our track, which is homologated to the highest FIM level," Razlan explained.
Discussing the long-term prospects of F1 in Malaysia, Razlan mentioned that a permanent return remains "very remote" due to high hosting costs unless further explored by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He also pointed out that while domestic tourism would benefit, the short preparation time may limit international attendance.
Razlan further noted the opportunities for local suppliers and food and beverage operators, expressing confidence in local turnout despite ticket costs. "It is Bahrain's job to sell, advertise, and promote. From what I gather, this is subject to the final details," he remarked.
Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir welcomed F1's return under the Bahrain GP banner, highlighting the event's potential to engage younger motorsport fans. Mokhzani emphasized the economic benefits for sectors like hospitality, tourism, airlines, and F and B, noting that Malaysia's affordability compared to Singapore could attract visitors to stay longer in the region.
Mokhzani also highlighted Malaysia's reduced financial risk, with Bahrain covering the costs. "Well, you can imagine if somebody else is paying for it, our return on investment, whatever that might be, is going to be sky high," he said.
Former F1 driver Alex Yoong suggested that the event should be used to enhance Malaysia's motorsport ecosystem beyond the race weekend, advocating for investment in grassroots motorsport and driver development. "We have a world-class track... it would be great to see a Southeast Asian circuit back on the F1 calendar," Yoong commented, underscoring the broader potential benefits for Malaysia's motorsport landscape.