F1 – 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, according to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif.
In an exclusive interview with GDN, 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 more than 200,000.
The race weekend has also given Malaysia a major tourism boost as spectators have come from across the region but while also 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.”
Hanif expressed his delight with the return of motorsport’s top flight to SIC and acknowledged that there is a huge desire amongst Malaysia’s F1 enthusiasts to once again be a part of the F1 calendar.
Despite this, Hanif admitted that there are currently no plans to pursue F1’s permanent return to Sepang in the near future.
“Having F1 back at SIC for the first time since 2017 makes for a genuinely historic race weekend,” said Hanif.
“It is a legendary circuit with brilliant racing that both the drivers and supporters love, so bringing the sport back here is hugely exciting for everyone involved.”
“The passion and hunger from local fans who missed F1 at Sepang is undeniable. However, hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is a unique, one-off arrangement for this season before the race heads home to Sakhir in 2027.
“Anything regarding long-term calendar slot discussions isn’t covered in current plans.”
Hanif was all praise for his team at SIC for their outstanding efforts in the organisation of the grand prix weekend, especially within such a short period of time.
It was done in coordination and cooperation with their counterparts from the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF), and other supporting organisations.
“It has been a seamless and very natural partnership,” Hanif explained.
“The teams from BIC and SIC worked side-by-side on every aspect of the event, with 561 Bahraini marshals and officials flying in to work directly alongside the local Malaysian track team.”
“It has been a massive, non-stop team effort across every single department – from track operations and facilities to safety, security, catering, and logistics. Working to such a tight deadline meant everyone had to pull together round the clock to get the circuit track-ready and deliver the high standards expected at a grand prix.”
“The sporting teams worked hand-in-hand with F1, the FIA, the BMF, and the MAM to get the circuit in top shape for modern F1 machinery.
“That said, the specific details around technical circuit modifications and commercial arrangements remain confidential.”
Hanif is a well-respected figure in Malaysia’s motorsport community. He officially took on his role as SIC CEO in April of 2020.
He has many years’ experience from the commercial and sponsorship side of motor racing, having handled high-level corporate partnerships, stakeholder alignment, and brand management positions throughout his professional career.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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