KUALA LUMPUR: The Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix held at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct 2 to 4, 2026, generated an estimated RM950 million in economic impact for Malaysia, according to information from Formula 1 Management (FOM).

The event attracted approximately 261,000 fans over the race weekend, including an estimated 103,000 spectators on race day, reflecting strong public interest in the championship.

According to the government’s response to a parliamentary question from Batang Sadong MP Puan Rodiyah Binti Sapiee, the race also provided significant international exposure for Malaysia, reaching a global television audience of 827 million viewers.

The latest ticket sales data showed that more than 97,000 tickets were sold, while over 50,000 international tourists and approximately 5,000 foreign workers came to Malaysia in conjunction with the event.

The influx of international visitors benefited the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, as well as local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The event also helped strengthen Malaysia’s profile as a destination for international sporting events and investment.

The government highlighted that this edition differed from previous F1 arrangements because the hosting rights fees were borne by Bahrain, allowing Malaysia to benefit from the event’s economic impact without shouldering those fees.

The event was organised through close cooperation between the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), with support from the government and relevant stakeholders.

Meanwhile, SIC is conducting a cost-benefit assessment with an appointed consulting firm to evaluate the economic benefits generated against the costs incurred by Malaysia.

The assessment is being carried out following the recent conclusion of the race and will examine detailed hosting costs alongside the event’s economic impact.

The findings will serve as one of the considerations for the government in determining whether Malaysia should return to hosting F1 on a regular basis in the future.