FIA Opens Door for Malaysia's Permanent F1 Return

Malaysia could make a permanent return to the Formula 1 calendar, but FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the country must first establish a comprehensive five-year business plan.

Speaking during the Formula 1 weekend at Sepang International Circuit, Ben Sulayem praised Malaysia's motorsport infrastructure and improvements to the venue.

He stressed that a future Malaysian Grand Prix would require a sustainable strategy covering financing, promotion and logistics.

“Malaysia deserves it. We have a very good relationship, and Formula One Management (FOM) is very open to this.”

He added:

“Have a business plan covering a minimum of five years, and we will support it.”

Nine years away. One successful comeback. Could Malaysia return for good?

Record-Breaking Sepang Crowd Strengthens Malaysia's Case

The event attracted more than 261,000 spectators across the weekend, setting a new attendance record for Sepang International Circuit. 

The previous benchmark was approximately 126,690 spectators at the 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix.

The huge turnout demonstrated that Malaysian interest in Formula 1 remains strong despite the championship's lengthy absence. 

However, the weekend also exposed transport and crowd-management challenges, including lengthy shuttle bus queues that organisers would need to address for future events.

Government to Consider F1's Economic Impact

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Malaysia is discussing a potential permanent return with Formula 1.

The proposal remains at an early stage, with the government expected to evaluate its financial feasibility and wider economic benefits.

A permanent race could reportedly cost around RM300 million annually, significantly more than the estimated RM10 million–RM16 million Malaysia spent preparing for the relocated 2026 event.

Motorsports Association of Malaysia president Mokhzani Mahathir also expressed confidence in Sepang's ability to host F1 again, while acknowledging that financial sustainability would be essential.

The key challenge is no longer whether Sepang can host Formula 1.

It is whether Malaysia can make the investment worthwhile over the long term.

Could the Malaysian Grand Prix Return to the Calendar?

For Winbox Racing, the possibility of Formula 1 returning permanently represents a major opportunity for Malaysia's motorsport industry.

A long-term F1 agreement could strengthen international tourism, attract commercial partnerships and create more opportunities for Malaysia's wider racing community.

However, the country would need to secure a viable commercial agreement with Formula One Management and establish how a Malaysian round would fit into an already crowded calendar.

The FIA president's comments are encouraging, but no permanent Malaysian Grand Prix deal has been confirmed.

Following the excitement of the 2026 Sepang weekend, attention now turns to the government's next move.

261,000 spectators. A five-year business plan. One potential F1 comeback.

Malaysia has proven its passion for Formula 1. Now comes the business decision.

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