Tengku Zafrul: 'Can we make F1 profitable enough for Malaysia?'

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia must prove that bringing Formula One back to the Sepang International Circuit can deliver sustainable economic returns before committing to a permanent place on the sport’s calendar, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said.

Tengku Zafrul, who is also Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman, raised the question after attending the recent Singapore Grand Prix, where he saw how the city-state has transformed the race into a major commercial and tourism attraction.

He said Singapore had successfully built an experience around F1 that extended well beyond the circuit, combining hospitality, entertainment and business networking opportunities to maximise the event’s economic potential.

“Singapore is truly remarkable in turning F1 into not just a race, but a complete experience,” the former Investment, Trade and Industry minister said in a post on X.

“From hospitality and entertainment to the atmosphere surrounding the race, everything is world-class. They also organise conferences and business events on the sidelines of F1, making it a platform to build relationships and open up economic opportunities.”

While acknowledging Sepang’s reputation as a technically demanding circuit, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia needed to establish a viable commercial model if it hoped to bring the sport back on a permanent basis.

He noted that many drivers and fans continued to regard Sepang as one of the most challenging circuits on the F1 calendar, thanks to its demanding layout and unpredictable weather conditions.

“At the same time, many drivers and F1 fans still regard Sepang as among the most challenging circuits in the F1 world,” he said.

“High-speed corners, unpredictable weather, and a track design that truly tests a driver's skill – it is truly a circuit built for pure racing!”

However, Tengku Zafrul stressed that the quality of the circuit alone would not be enough to justify the costs associated with hosting a race.

“We already have a world-class circuit. But to bring F1 back, we must think beyond just the race. How do we attract tourists, generate revenue, and ensure the economic returns are worth the hosting costs?

“The big question: can we make F1 profitable enough for Malaysia?”

Malaysia hosted the F1 Malaysian Grand Prix annually from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the calendar, with rising hosting costs and declining attendance among the factors behind its departure.

Discussions about a possible return have gained fresh momentum following Sepang’s unexpected return to the international spotlight earlier this month.

The circuit stepped in at short notice to host this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix as a one-off replacement after heightened geopolitical tensions and conflict in the Middle East prevented the race from taking place at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

The event attracted large crowds, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed victory in wet conditions, once again showcasing Sepang’s ability to stage a major international motorsport event. - October 12, 2026

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