Malaysia dismisses the possibility of returning to Formula 1 as a rotation strategy approaches.

      "Germany is a vital part of Formula 1"

      Malaysia has dampened speculation regarding a possible return to the expanding Formula 1 calendar. Liberty Media is planning a rotation system to include more host countries, with previous locations like Portugal actively seeking a comeback. However, Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, stated in parliament last week that Sepang is not included in these plans.

      "Hosting fees owed to Liberty Media are estimated at around RM300 million annually, with contracts generally lasting three to five years," she disclosed, highlighting an amount approximately translating to $71 million per year, or up to $350 million over several years.

      Additionally, maintaining the Sepang circuit to meet FIA Grade 1 standards incurs an annual cost of RM10 million - about US$2.36 million. Yeoh suggested the funds would be better allocated to support local sports: "RM 300 million could finance sports programs across 20 disciplines, supporting 363 athletes on the podium and nearly 10,000 individuals in talent development each year."

      With Singapore firmly established on the calendar and Thailand set to join in 2028, Yeoh candidly remarked: "These elements collectively indicate that reviving F1 in Malaysia is not part of our current agenda."

      Sepang hosted Formula 1 from 1999 to 2017, but the government ended its participation due to escalating costs and dwindling attendance. Currently, the circuit is focused on MotoGP, with CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif cautioning: "We aim to avoid repeating the errors of the past. We let go of F1, and now it's challenging to recover it. I hope we don’t make the same error with MotoGP."

      Meanwhile, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali shared with Sport Bild that he is prioritizing a return to Germany: "Germany is a significant part of Formula 1. If anyone is genuinely interested, they will find a way to reach out to me. But time is of the essence—there is a long queue of countries waiting, with their prime ministers and royals eager to host a race."