Malaysia is expected to spend no more than RM16 million to prepare the Sepang International Circuit for Formula One’s return, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He explained that Bahrain had already paid the much larger upfront fees required to host the race.
Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Malaysia
According to Anwar, Bahrain decided to move its Grand Prix to Malaysia because of security concerns in the region.
As Bahrain had already settled the initial payment, which reportedly amounted to hundreds of millions of ringgit, Malaysia would not need to pay the same fee again.
Instead, the country would only need to conduct minor repairs and maintenance at the Sepang circuit.
“I expect it to cost between RM10 million and RM16 million,” Anwar said during the Semarak Kenegaraan programme.
Much cheaper than hosting a typical F1 race
Anwar said Malaysia’s estimated spending was far lower than what countries normally pay to organise a Formula One race.
He claimed that some host countries spend hundreds of millions of ringgit, with costs sometimes reaching RM1 billion.
In comparison, Malaysia would only need to prepare the circuit while gaining worldwide attention from hosting top F1 drivers, racing teams and thousands of engineers.
Anwar added that the opportunity showed the international community’s confidence in Malaysia’s stability, facilities and ability to organise major global events.
Security will be a priority
The government will also focus on keeping the event safe and ensuring that teams and spectators can enter the country smoothly.
The armed forces, police, Immigration Department and Customs Department are expected to play important roles throughout the event.
Formula One and the FIA previously announced that Sepang would host the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix as part of the 2026 calendar.
Subject to final agreements and approval from the World Motor Sport Council, the race will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore rounds.
It will be Formula One’s first championship race at Sepang since 2017.
