Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that an announcement regarding the potential return of Formula One (F1) racing to Malaysia will be made on Sunday.
When asked by reporters about the possibility of the F1 championship returning to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Anwar briefly said that details would be revealed the following day.
Previously, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry was conducting discussions and assessing the possibility of Malaysia hosting an F1 race again.
The consideration comes after preliminary information suggested that Malaysia could potentially host a replacement race if the Bahrain Grand Prix is unable to proceed.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq said Anwar and the ministry had received initial information regarding the proposal, with further updates expected once a final decision has been reached.
Anwar, who was speaking to reporters after attending the opening ceremony of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin, did not reveal details about the upcoming announcement.
The Prime Minister said the government would provide more information on the matter on Sunday.
Malaysia last hosted the F1 Grand Prix in 2017, but SIC continues to hold a Grade 1 licence from the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), allowing it to meet the requirements to host an F1 event.
In 2024, reports linked national oil company PETRONAS, which is also a partner of the Mercedes F1 team, with plans to bring the race back to Malaysia in 2026. However, the claim was later denied.
PETRONAS has been the title sponsor of the Mercedes F1 team since 2010.
