The Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 is expected to generate more than $200 million for the Malaysian economy and worldwide TV exposure to more than 800 million fans, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif told the GDN in an exclusive interview.
Hanif highlighted the incredible impact forecasted for the Southeast Asian nation by hosting the kingdom’s grand prix this year, with SIC welcoming its biggest-ever crowd for any event of around 100,000.
The race weekend has also given Malaysia a major tourism boost with spectators coming from across the region while maintaining its massive interest amongst local fans.
“F1 figures estimate that the event will inject around $240 million directly into the Malaysian economy over the weekend,” Hanif told the GDN. “In terms of global exposure, the race puts Malaysia right in front of a massive worldwide TV audience of 827 million F1 fans.
“It has also drawn in large numbers of visitors from right across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.
“And by offering discounted ticket tiers like the RM200 'Madani' tickets alongside local citizen discounts, local fans make up 50 per cent of the crowd inside the venue.
“The reaction from the local fans [when the event was announced] was fantastic, and ticket demand blew expectations right out of the water.
"Passing 95,000 sales so quickly – and heading past 100,000 for the weekend – makes this the biggest crowd Sepang has ever hosted, with several stands and areas completely sold out.”
More in tomorrow's GDN and online.
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