Malaysia Confirms Sepang Grand Prix Will Not Return in 2026

Malaysia has officially ruled out the return of Formula 1 racing at Sepang International Circuit, citing the high financial burden of hosting the event.

Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh explained that staging a Grand Prix would cost the government

around 300 million ringgit (US$71 million) each year. Beyond licensing fees, Sepang would also require an estimated ten million ringgit (US$2.4 million) annually for circuit upkeep. She noted that any deal with Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, would likely involve a minimum three- to five-year contract, amounting to more than 1.5 billion ringgit (US$354.8 million) in total commitments.

Malaysia last featured on the Formula 1 calendar in 2017, ending a run that began in 1999.

Declining ticket sales and growing expenses prompted its withdrawal. Today, Asia hosts only

three F1 races—China, Japan, and Singapore—though other nations, such as Thailand, are

moving to enter the calendar with significant investment.

While the government has dismissed an immediate comeback, Yeoh emphasized that Malaysia remains open to opportunities if private partners such as Petronas step in. She acknowledged Formula 1’s prestige and global reach but maintained that public funds cannot support its return under current conditions.