SEPANG: Hosting the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for Oct 2 to Oct 4, at Sepang International Circuit will generate economic benefits well beyond immediate tourism, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid said the event represents a significant recognition of the country’s world-class motorsport infrastructure, with its global broadcast reaching billions.
“The economic impact cannot only be seen from the immediate effect in terms of inbound tourists, but also in terms of coverage, news reporting, and events worldwide because the audience and viewership numbers are in the billions. This will give medium- and long-term benefits to our country,” he said.
Zahid, who is also National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) chairman, was officiating the National Air Disaster Readiness 2026 workshop at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
He said Sepang International Circuit had been underutilised since Malaysia last hosted Formula 1 for the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.
He stressed that the return of Formula 1 was the best opportunity to restore the circuit’s status as a premier global motorsport venue.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the circuit has world-class facilities and it is a shame that for so long they have not been used except for MotoGP, which I have never missed a single year.
“However, this is the best opportunity for Formula 1 and for me the long-term impact is very good,” he said as quoted by NST.
Zahid expressed hope that the race would pave the way for Malaysia to secure a permanent slot on the Formula 1 calendar.
He pointed to the MotoGP model, saying the Cabinet had, on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s direction, decided that the race would no longer be funded solely through government funds, but through a combination of development projects, sponsorships and joint organising arrangements.
Yesterday 26 July, Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed that the racing league will return to the Sepang Circuit this year, coming in as replacement hosts for the Bahrain Grand Prix. It will slot in between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix.
There were previously plans to reschedule the Bahrain round, originally set for April, to later this year, but that was derailed by escalating conflict in the region.
