Source:
REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI
[Saba
Sports News] Last year, there were reports in the Malaysian media suggesting
that Petronas, the Malaysian National Petroleum Company, was planning to
reintroduce Formula 1 (F1) to Malaysia and bring back F1 in 2026. However,
recent statements from the company indicate that they have no intention of
reintroducing F1 due to its low domestic popularity and financial losses.
Malaysia previously hosted the F1 Grand Prix, known as the F1 Malaysia Station,
which was part of the global Formula Championship. The F1 Malaysia Grand Prix
was held at the Sepang International Circuit from 1999 until it was suspended
after the 2017 season due to declining ticket sales and increasing operating
costs. While the return of the F1 event to Malaysia could bring significant
economic benefits, including attracting domestic and international audiences
and tourists, the decision not to reintroduce F1 is based on the perceived
drawbacks of the sport in terms of popularity and financial viability.