F1 is back. Should Malaysia stay?
THE exciting return of Formula 1 to Sepang this weekend, as an understudy for Bahrain during the Middle East conflict, reignites a debate thought settled nine years ago.
Formula 1 (F1) has returned to Sepang race track in Malaysia this weekend, after a hiatus caused by the Middle East conflict. The return sparks a discussion about whether Malaysia should continue hosting F1 races. In the mid-1990s, Malaysia was a rapidly growing economy looking to establish itself on the global stage. F1 became a powerful tool for brand awareness, with Petronas and Visit Malaysia supporting teams in the early 1990s.
Acquiring a slot on the F1 calendar was a significant commitment, requiring substantial infrastructure investment. Malaysia successfully hosted its first Grand Prix in 1999, attracting fans and drivers alike. However, by 2017, the race looked less appealing due to rising hosting fees and competition from other Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore.
The decision to remove Sepang from the calendar in 2017 was justified, as it no longer provided a unique advantage. However, with the takeover of F1 by Liberty Media in 2017, the championship shifted focus towards attracting a global audience and creating a more compelling spectacle. The fan base has grown by over 60%, and the audience is now more diverse, with women making up 42% of viewers.
Malaysia's decision to host F1 has led to increased recognition and tourism, making it a valuable event for the country. Despite the growing competition, Malaysia's strategic location and existing infrastructure give it an edge in securing future F1 races.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
