261,000 Fans and a PM in the Rain: Sepang Sets All-Time Record as Malaysia Talks F1 Return

Formula 1's return to Sepang ended with a record. Organisers said 261,000 spectators attended the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia across the three days from 2 to 4 October, the biggest crowd in the circuit's history. And on race day, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Malaysia is in talks about bringing F1 back beyond this one-off event.

The numbers

• 261,000 spectators over the weekend, according to Bahrain's Gulf Daily News (GDN).
• 103,000 on race day alone, per GDN.
• 157,219, the previous Sepang record set in 2007, according to Hype Malaysia.
• 105,000 tickets sold, the figure cited to The Star by MAM president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, who said he was "surprised to see people turning up even for practice on Friday."

What the organisers said

The race was staged by Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), working with Sepang International Circuit (SIC), after the original Bahrain race was moved because of the conflict in the Middle East. GDN reported that the event was organised in roughly two months.

BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: "This weekend, we truly brought Bahrain to Malaysia." He added that "an undertaking of this nature, delivered in such a short space of time, would not be possible without our incredible partnership with SIC."

SIC chairman Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz called it "a truly record-breaking event for us," saying the return of F1 had "once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of the sport to unite people."

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the event reflected "the strength of the collaboration between Bahrain and Malaysia." GDN also reported that BIC plans to host the race back in Bahrain in March 2027.

"We are discussing"

Anwar was at the circuit on race day and spoke to Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle. "You see, I'm wet, drenched, but excited. You see, the entire country is rejoicing," he said, according to Malay Mail. Asked about F1 returning to Malaysia, he replied: "Well, I'm looking forward to it. We are discussing."

What a permanent return would cost

This weekend was an unusually cheap way for Malaysia to host F1. Malay Mail reported that Malaysia spent an estimated RM10 million to RM16 million because Bahrain covered the major hosting costs.

A permanent slot would be very different. SIC chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif has said Malaysia would need about RM300 million a year, and Hype Malaysia reported that any multi-year deal would need Cabinet evaluation. Separately, Business Today reported earlier estimates that the event could generate around RM1.3 billion for the country.

Not everything went smoothly

The crowd numbers came with growing pains. Early in the weekend, fans complained of gridlocked traffic and long waits for shuttle buses, with Malay Mail reporting waits of more than three hours and some visitors fainting. Organisers responded with dedicated bus lanes and more staff, and fans praised the improvements later in the weekend. Azhan himself was seen handing out water to fans queuing for buses.

Key takeaways

• Sepang drew a record 261,000 fans over three days, including 103,000 on race day.
• The previous record was 157,219 in 2007.
• Anwar said Malaysia is "discussing" a return to the F1 calendar.
• A permanent race is estimated to cost around RM300 million a year, compared with RM10–16 million this time.

FAQ

How many people attended F1 at Sepang in 2026? Organisers reported 261,000 spectators over three days, with 103,000 on race day.

Will F1 return to Malaysia permanently? Nothing is confirmed. Anwar said talks are under way, and any multi-year deal would need Cabinet evaluation.

How much did Malaysia pay for this race? Malay Mail estimated RM10–16 million, as Bahrain covered the major hosting costs.

Sources: Gulf Daily News, Hype Malaysia, The Star, Malay Mail, Business Today