Malaysia Not Closing Door on F1 Return, Says Sepang Chief

The Sepang International Circuit says a Formula 1 comeback remains possible in the long term despite the Malaysian government ruling out funding a race.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh recently confirmed there are no plans for Malaysia to rejoin the F1 calendar, citing the high annual hosting fee, long-term financial commitments, and competing national priorities.

Sepang CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif, however, says an F1 return is “not impossible” if private backing can be secured. He believes the circuit’s infrastructure requires only minor upgrades and that a multi-stakeholder approach could make the event viable.

The government has indicated it may reconsider if corporate partners cover the costs. Sepang remains open to negotiations but acknowledges that an F1 comeback is unlikely in the near future.