Azhan Shafriman Hanif, the director of the Sepang International Circuit, has disclosed that Formula 1 organizers have set a steep price of $70 million for the Malaysian Grand Prix to return to the calendar. This figure, which excludes the circuit’s own organizational expenses, has made it challenging to secure the event’s comeback in the near future despite ongoing interest.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was a staple event from 1999 until 2017, with notable winners including Sebastian Vettel, who won four times, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso with three wins each, and Max Verstappen capturing his second career victory at the final race held there.
Challenges in Reviving the Malaysian Grand Prix
The Sepang circuit had gradually shifted its focus towards MotoGP events after dropping off the F1 schedule, but recent discussions signal a desire to bring Formula 1 back. However, Hanif emphasized that the financial demands set by F1 organizers are significantly higher than before, posing a serious obstacle.
Hanif expressed caution about repeating past mistakes regarding the sport’s withdrawal:
“We don’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past,”
he said.
“We let Formula 1 go, and now it’s very difficult to bring it back. I hope we don’t make the same mistake with MotoGP.”
—Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Circuit Director
He further elaborated,
“There’s a waiting list to return [to F1], and the costs are obviously very high. They proposed a budget of $70 million. That’s for each race, and it doesn’t include our organisational costs.”
—Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Circuit Director
Despite the high costs and competition, Hanif remains open to negotiations:
“There are a lot of people on the waiting list, so it won’t be easy. But if we’re really serious about it, maybe we can start discussing it.”
—Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Circuit Director
Other Venues Eyeing Places on F1’s Expanding Calendar
The ‘waiting list’ mentioned by Hanif likely includes the Turkish Grand Prix and the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao, both of which have indicated ambitions to return to the sport. Alongside these historic venues, new circuits in Saudi Arabia and Madrid are preparing to join the grid, while discussions about potential races in Thailand, Kyalami, or Cape Town suggest expanding F1’s footprint to Africa again.
With Formula 1’s 2025 season already set to include a record 24 races in 21 countries, slots on the calendar are increasingly scarce. This congestion implies that Malaysia’s return could be delayed for some time, despite the venue’s strong fan following.
There is also anticipation that Malaysia may play a significant role in motorcycle racing soon, as it is tipped to host the official launch of the motorcycle world championship in early 2026.
The Road Ahead for the Sepang Circuit and F1 Fans
The high $70 million cost to host an F1 event at Sepang presents a major hurdle for the track’s revival within the sport. This cost, combined with fierce competition among circuits hoping to secure a place on the packed Formula 1 calendar, means the Malaysian Grand Prix remains uncertain for the coming years. Nonetheless, the circuit’s leadership is exploring options seriously, aware of past decisions’ long-term impact and the growing global interest in the sport.