Malaysia Spent RM70 Million Hosting Bahrain F1 Race at Sepang

Malaysia spent RM70 million hosting the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit last month, the government said in a written parliamentary reply to Nazri Abu Hassan,, Free Malaysia Today reported.

The race ran from Oct 2 to 4 after the event was moved following conflict in West Asia. It marked Formula 1’s return to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.

The total estimated cost for the event reached RM350 million, covering hosting fees and preparations at the circuit, according to youth and sports minister Dr Taufiq Johari.

The latest figure exceeds earlier projections. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remarked on July 27 that the administration would only need to expend the RM16 million yearly allotment designated for track upkeep and enhancements.

A day later, Sepang International Circuit chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif estimated local preparations would cost about RM40 million, with expenses shared between Malaysia and Bahrain. The ministry did not explain the discrepancy between those estimates and the final RM70 million figure.

Formula One Management figures cited by Taufiq indicated the race generated an estimated RM950 million in economic activity. Those benefits included spending on hotels, tourism, aviation, transport, food and beverage businesses, and other services.

The event created about 7,300 job opportunities. Out of that overall figure, visitor-serving businesses and services accounted for 6,167 roles, race operations and infrastructure accounted for 757, and F1 teams, sponsors, and race operations accounted for 376.

The government has not yet disclosed how much it collected in taxes, fees, and rental income from the event. Taufiq said that the Sepang International Circuit and an appointed consulting firm are still assessing the event’s costs and economic benefits to help decide whether Malaysia should host future F1 races.