Hosting the Bahrain F1 race at Sepang this October is expected to boost tourism, global visibility and attract investment, says Deputy PM
SEPANG: Hosting the Formula One (F1) Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this October is expected to generate significant medium- and long-term economic benefits for Malaysia by boosting tourist arrivals, enhancing global visibility, and attracting future investments and world-class sporting events.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said although Bahrain would bear the cost of hosting the race, Malaysia would reap substantial economic gains through increased international exposure and tourism.
He said the race would be watched by millions of viewers worldwide and would reinforce the status of SIC as a world-class venue
“While we acknowledge the substantial costs involved, these are being borne by Bahrain. The economic impact goes beyond tourist arrivals, as the event will receive extensive global media coverage and reach billions of viewers worldwide.
“This will generate medium- and long-term benefits for the country, as the SIC has world-class facilities that have remained underutilised, apart from hosting MotoGP,” he said at the launch of the National Air Disaster Preparedness 2026: Air Disaster Management Workshop here today.
Ahmad Zahid said the successful staging of the Bahrain F1 race could strengthen Malaysia’s bid to host Formula One again in the future, provided there is continued government support and strong corporate sponsorship.
“I hope that in the coming years, Malaysia will be able to allocate dedicated funding and secure corporate sponsorship to bring Formula One back to the country.
“For MotoGP, for example, the Cabinet, following the Prime Minister’s directive, decided that the event should not rely solely on allocations from the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the Ministry of Finance. Instead, it should be supported through development projects, sponsorships, and joint organisation under a smart partnership approach,” he said.
Yesterday, Formula 1 and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed that Malaysia would host the race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from October 2 to 4, 2026, subject to the signing of a final agreement and official approvals, including from the World Motor Sport Council.
The race is scheduled to take place between the Azerbaijan GP and the Singapore GP on the F1 calendar.
