THE Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from Oct 2 to 4 drew about 261,000 spectators and generated nearly RM950 million in economic impact, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said.
SIC has appointed a consultancy firm to assess the economic benefits against the costs of hosting the event, with the findings to inform the government’s decision on future Formula One races in Malaysia.
In a written parliamentary reply, Mohammed Taufiq said the assessment was under way following the conclusion of the race and would help determine whether Malaysia should resume hosting F1 on a regular basis.
He was responding to Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong), who asked about the event’s economic returns relative to the costs borne by the government and whether a cost-benefit study would guide any decision on future hosting.
“Based on information from Formula One Management (FOM), the hosting of this Formula One event generated nearly RM950 million in economic impact for the country,” he said.
The race also raised Malaysia’s international profile, with global broadcasts reaching an estimated 827 million viewers.
More than 97,000 tickets were estimated to have been sold, while more than 50,000 international tourists and about 5,000 foreign workers came to Malaysia for the event.
Mohammed Taufiq said visitor spending benefited tourism, hospitality, aviation and local small and medium-sized enterprises, while strengthening Malaysia’s position as a destination for international sporting events and investment.
He added that the latest event differed from previous arrangements because Bahrain bore the cost of the hosting rights, allowing Malaysia to capture the economic benefits without shouldering that expense.
About 103,000 spectators attended on the race day alone - October 14, 2026