LSN News › Singapore

Politics · Singapore Bureau

Formula 1 Sepang race delivers $298m windfall to Malaysian economy

Malaysia's Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang circuit generated nearly $298 million in economic benefit, according to figures presented to Parliament. The marquee motorsport event attracted significant global viewership and domestic attendance.

LSN Singapore · 14 October 2026

Formula 1 Sepang race delivers $298m windfall to Malaysian economy

The Malaysian Formula 1 race injected close to $298 million into the country's economy, lawmakers were told in Parliament. The event demonstrated the substantial economic impact of hosting major international sporting competitions in the region.

The race drew approximately 261,000 spectators to the Sepang circuit, with organisers selling more than 97,000 tickets for the event. The strong domestic turnout reflected considerable public interest in the high-profile motorsport fixture.

Beyond the trackside audience, the Grand Prix achieved significant international reach, with broadcasts reaching an estimated 827 million viewers worldwide. The global viewership underscored the event's prominence in the international sports calendar and its ability to project Malaysia's profile internationally.

The economic figures highlight the broader benefits that major sporting events can generate for host nations, encompassing direct ticket revenues, hospitality spending, tourism activity, and associated infrastructure investments. For Malaysia, the Sepang Grand Prix has established itself as a key calendar event with measurable economic returns.