Malaysia has decided not to pursue a return to the Formula One (F1) calendar, citing the high costs associated with hosting the event. The country’s Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, stated in parliament that the government would have to pay approximately 300 million ringgit ($71.09 million) annually in hosting costs, plus an additional 10 million ringgit per year for circuit maintenance to meet the highest standards. This financial burden, combined with an already packed racing calendar, has led Malaysia to focus on other sports development programs that would directly benefit the country’s athletes.
Yeoh emphasized that while F1 is a prestigious sporting event, Malaysia cannot afford the costs, which would amount to around 1.5 billion ringgit over a three-to-five-year contract with Liberty Media, the owner of F1’s commercial rights. The minister also noted that the country would face stiff competition from regional neighbors, including Singapore, which has hosted F1 since 2008, and Thailand, which is set to join the calendar in 2028.
Although Malaysia is not currently planning to host F1, Yeoh left the door open for potential corporate involvement, stating that if companies are willing to shoulder the costs, the government is open to collaboration. The Sepang International Circuit, which hosted F1 races from 1999 to 2017, currently prioritizes its MotoGP round and is focused on securing an extension with Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP.
