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F1 Rumour: Malaysian Grand Prix Aims For 2026 Return With New Title Sponsor

It has been reported that the Malaysian Grand Prix is looking to return to the Formula One calendar in 2026.

Lydia Mee

F1 Rumour: Malaysian Grand Prix Aims For 2026 Return With New Title Sponsor
F1 Rumour: Malaysian Grand Prix Aims For 2026 Return With New Title Sponsor /

Petronas, the national oil conglomerate of Malaysia, is reportedly orchestrating efforts to bring back Formula One to the Sepang International Circuit by 2026, after a noticeable absence. This information, from three informed sources, was shared by Reuters, highlighting the tentative nature of these plans.

Key Insights:

  • Speculative Return of F1: According to Reuters, whispers from three insiders suggest Petronas is keen on reviving Malaysia's F1 Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit by 2026, aiming to turn the page on the challenges that led to its 2017 cessation.
  • Petronas' Potential Moves: Amidst these rumours, it's noted that Petronas, a global Fortune 500 contender, has recently clinched naming rights to the Sepang Circuit, hinting at its vested interest in motorsports and its enduring alliance with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team.
  • Financial and Popularity Dynamics: The rumoured comeback takes into account the hefty financial outlay of F1 events, balanced against the sport's burgeoning global allure, partially fuelled by the "Drive to Survive" Netflix series, which could justify a reevaluation of Malaysia's F1 prospects.
Malaysian Grand Prix
Red Bull Press Image

Petronas is said to be at the helm of ambitious plans to reignite the Formula One flame in Malaysia come 2026. This speculative venture, as discussed in a company townhall led by Petronas' chief Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz, hints at a significant resurgence for the Sepang International Circuit, absent from the F1 calendar since 2017 due to dwindling interest and financial hurdles.

The circuit, known for its rich motorsport heritage and ongoing events like MotoGP, is at the centre of these rumoured revival efforts. Petronas, with its deep ties to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team and a fresh naming rights deal for the circuit, appears to be steering the narrative towards a grand F1 return.

The economic feasibility of hosting such a grandiose event has previously been questioned by Malaysian sports officials, citing exorbitant costs. However, with F1's popularity on an upward trajectory globally, the rumoured plans suggest a potential reassessment of the event's value proposition for Malaysia.

It is worth noting that this has currently not been confirmed by Formula One.

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Lydia Mee
LYDIA MEE

Lydia is the lead editor of F1 editorial. After following the sport for several years, she was finally able to attend the British Grand Prix in person in 2017. Since then, she's been addicted to not only the racing, but the atmosphere the fans bring to each event. She's a strong advocate for women in motorsport and a more diverse industry. 

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