F1 Is Back In Sepang: Here's Why Malaysia Got To Host The Race Instead Of Indonesia

After almost a decade, the Formula 1 (F1) World Championship will return to the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4.

The race was originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain in April. However, it was postponed, along with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, due to the conflict involving Iran.

While the announcement has undoubtedly delighted F1 fans in Malaysia, an Indonesian netizen has gone viral after questioning why the Sepang International Circuit was chosen as the replacement venue.

Image Credit: Destinasi Indo

In a post on Threads, the user asked why the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit was not selected to host the race instead.

Located in Lombok, Indonesia, the circuit gained international recognition after hosting major events such as MotoGP following its opening in 2021.

Why Malaysia?

While Sepang's previous experience hosting the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 certainly played a role, several other factors also contributed to Malaysia being chosen as the host.

Image Credit: Driver61

One of the biggest reasons is that the Sepang International Circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 licence.

This is the highest level of safety and homologation certification issued by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and it is the only certification that allows a circuit to host Formula 1 races and official F1 testing.

Some of the key requirements for obtaining a Grade 1 licence include a track length of between 3.5 km and 7 km, a minimum width of 12 metres for new permanent circuits, and a straight no longer than 2 km. The circuit must also have advanced on-site medical facilities and extensive safety features, including gravel traps designed to reduce the impact of high-speed accidents.

In contrast, the Mandalika Circuit currently holds an FIA Grade 3 licence. In simple terms, the Lombok-based circuit is not eligible to host Formula 1 races unless significant infrastructure upgrades are carried out.

Another factor behind Sepang's selection is the strong diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and Bahrain.

Image Credit: The Sun

According to a report, the arrangement was made possible through the close ties and mutual trust shared between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Logistics also played a major role in the decision to choose Sepang over Mandalika.

The October race is scheduled just before the Singapore Grand Prix, making Malaysia a practical choice. With Sepang located just across the border from Singapore, teams can transport equipment, personnel, and cars more efficiently between events.

The circuit's proximity to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is another advantage, allowing freight and personnel to move quickly in and out of the venue.

Why did Malaysia stop hosting F1?

If Sepang has all the necessary credentials to host Formula 1, why did Malaysia stop doing so after 2017?

Image Credit: NST

According to a 2025 report, one of the main reasons was the high cost of hosting the event.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said Malaysia was charged approximately US$70 million in race fees, excluding event setup costs, which typically ranged between RM10 million and RM20 million per race weekend.

Declining interest in Formula 1 at the time, coupled with weaker ticket sales in Malaysia, also contributed to the decision to discontinue hosting the race.

However, Shafriman later stated that ending Malaysia's F1 involvement was ultimately a mistake.

With Formula 1 set to return to Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently revealed that only RM16 million was needed to prepare the Sepang International Circuit for the event.

"The initial payment of hundreds of millions of ringgit had already been paid to Formula One 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," he said, as quoted by NST.

Featured Image Credit: 51GT3, Motorsport.com