Malaysia will only need to spend an estimated RM16 million to prepare the Sepang International Circuit for the return of Formula 1 to the venue, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said, reported New Straits Times.
Bahrain had agreed to absorb the upfront payment to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) following the decision to relocate the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia for regional security concerns, said the prime minister.
“The initial payment of hundreds of millions of ringgit had already been paid to Formula 1 by Bahrain. We do not have to pay it. We are effectively hosting it for free. If there is any expenditure, it is only to carry out minor repairs to the track, which is currently used for other racing events. I expect that to cost between RM10 million and RM16 million,” Anwar said.
This amount is significantly lower than the costs typically incurred by countries hosting Formula 1 races, said the prime minister.
“Other countries spend hundreds of millions, even up to RM1 billion, to organise Formula 1. We have only been asked to spend RM16 million, yet Malaysia will become the focus of the world. All the world’s top drivers, the most advanced racing cars and thousands of engineers will be coming to Sepang,” he said.
Yesterday, former SIC CEO Datuk Razlan Razali told Bernama that the event, scheduled for October 4, is not expected to cause much of an operational issue for SIC despite the short notice, as our track doesn’t require major modifications to host an F1 race.
“Any changes to the track won’t have a significant impact on car racing. And operationally, there’s not much to be done unless Bahrain wants certain upgrades that also benefits SIC, infrastructure wise. In my opinion, the current facilities is adequate,” Razlan said.
The return of Formula 1 to Malaysia was officially announced yesterday, July 26, when it was revealed that the latest addition to the 2026 calendar would be called the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The event has been created through an agreement between F1, FIA and the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, subject to final agreements and an official sign-off as well as approval from the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).
Rahmah Madani F1 organising. Look what the real.cost without sakau.
PMX,16 Juta Rm is say for premixing the race track,portions that need resurfacing.
What about accomodation,security,and other standard protocol charges that comes with F1?
I respect the hardwork diplomacy by HRH YDPA.
I thot u have been highlighting $4 Billion fuel subsidies,lately.
You have to do a fine balancing act as Finance chief.
We dont want our Rm to be the next Rupiah.
Next, Saudi Arabia GP at Sg. Petani Circuit. The power of dreaming.
90K KM mileage. Fully
90K KM mileage. Fully service at mercedes service center
Wonder which cronies getting the fRee for decades.
First of all, I’m thrilled though I definitely not paying to go watch F1 cause I’m a T20 who in real life B40.
However, what’s interesting thought I have immediately upon after reading this is….
The possibility of sudden U-Turn and changes later like how anyone/everyone knows.
Mana tahu…. Maybe later there’s the small requirement of all Pit Crews must wear Songkok, all communication must be in B. Malaysia.
Nobody wants to confuse some event goers or F1 supporters.
Also… It would be a great time to then promote the Rempit Culture to the world.
Allow Professional Mat Rempits to perform on the track before or during the event?
I can’t stop laughing and I do have high hopes.
PMX said Malaysia will only spend RM19 million but today SIC CEO said it’ll cost SIC RM40 million i.e. double than what PMX madani rahmah said ……
Its not free if u have to fork out even RM1.