Record crowds, transport chaos: Can Malaysia afford an F1 comeback?
Malaysia's recent Formula 1 event at the Sepang International Circuit faced significant logistical challenges, including severe transport issues for attendees. Experts are questioning whether the country can financially and operationally sustain a permanent return to the F1 calendar.
Why it matters
The viability of hosting major global sporting events is a recurring economic challenge for developing nations balancing tourism and infrastructure costs.
The Bahrain GP last week showed Sepang can still deliver an F1 spectacle, but transport woes exposed shortcomings off the track. The question is whether Malaysia can make a permanent return viable, say experts.
A general view of the pit lane at Bahrain Grand Prix - Sepang International Circuit, on Oct 4, 2026, as the start of the race is delayed (Photo: REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain)
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in