The F1 calendar has changed substantially since Liberty Media’s takeover, with several new venues replacing traditional circuits on the schedule.
In recent years, traditional European circuits have been the most at risk of losing their slots.
Belgium’s Spa circuit is a useful case study related to this shift. The iconic circuit will only feature in F1 on a rotational basis when their new contract takes effect in 2026.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has emphasised that a circuit’s history in the sport is not enough to guarantee a space on the calendar.
At the same time, this does not mean previous F1 Grand Prix – like Malaysia – should be ruled out from making a comeback.
Malaysian GP CEO explains roadmap back to F1
Circuits often divide opinion in Formula 1, with some receiving a more positive response from fans than others.
Then again, there are some races that are almost unanimously seen as entertaining and worthy of a place on the calendar.
For a long time, Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit fell under this category.
Sepang’s unique layout and unpredictable weather conditions consistently created exciting and dramatic races.
Many of F1’s iconic most races from the last decade (such as the 2012, 2013 and 2016 editions) were at Sepang.
However, at a time when competition to join the calendar was less fierce, the Malaysian GP organisers did not sign a new contract with F1.
This decision, CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif argues, was a crucial mistake.
The Sepang International boss explains that whilst returning to the sport is challenging, it it not impossible.
“We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past,” he told the New Straits Times.
“We let Formula 1 go, and now it is very hard to get it back…
“There is a waiting lase to get back in [F1], and of course, the costs are very expensive. We were quoted $70 million race fees [for a calendar slot].”
Hanif explains that returning to F1 necessitates strong commitment:
“It is not just SIC [Sepang International Circuit] that wants Formula 1.
“Many stakeholders, from both the government as well as the corporate sector, also want it back.
“We have to look at how Singapore is hosting it. They have everyone onboard in making it a success…
“It has to belike that if we bring it back here.”
Is an F1 return to Malaysia realistic?
For more reasons than one, Formula 1’s absence from Sepang has been a huge loss in recent seasons.
Aside from the circuit’s history of producing excellent races, it is a circuit wide enough to accommodate the current generation of cars – something other venues struggle to accomplish.
From a financial perspective, it will be difficult – but not impossible – for Malaysia to make a comeback.
Assuming the race has support from various stakeholders, Sepang could undoubtedly make a convincing bid to Liberty Media.
With some tracks (such as Spa) only signing contracts to stay in F1 on a semi-permanent basis, there will be openings for Sepang in the future.
Whilst a return in 2026 is unlikely, there are enough expiring contracts to make a comeback in 2027 or 2028 possible.
Of course, with the likes of Portimao and Istanbul also in talks with Liberty Media, this will be an intense process.
Main photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images (via Red Bull content pool)