{
  "id": 13912085,
  "title": "Tengku Zafrul: 'Can we make F1 profitable enough for Malaysia?'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/tengku-zafrul-can-we-make-f1-profitable-enough-for-malaysia",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T08:10:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1553747/tengku-zafrul-can-we-make-f1-profitable-enough-malaysia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, president of the Malaysia Formula One Company and Malaysian Investment Development Authority chairman, questioned whether the country can make Formula One profitable enough to justify a permanent return to the Sepang International Circuit. Following his visit to the Singapore Grand Prix, Tengku Zafrul emphasized that any future bid must consider economic returns alongside the prestige of hosting the race.\n\nSingapore, Tengku Zafrul noted, has successfully transformed F1 into a comprehensive experience, offering top-notch hospitality, entertainment, and atmosphere, along with business events and conferences. The Malaysian president, a former finance minister, acknowledged Malaysia's technical advantage in track design but stressed that the event's financial blueprint is crucial. Sepang is considered one of the most challenging circuits in F1, featuring high-speed corners, unpredictable weather, and a layout that tests drivers' skills.\n\nMalaysia last hosted F1 in 2017. However, the circuit recently made a surprise comeback to the global stage, hosting a one-off Bahrain Grand Prix due to geopolitical reasons. The event drew large crowds, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen won on wet conditions. Tengku Zafrul questioned whether Malaysia can make F1 profitable enough to host the race permanently. He emphasized the need to attract tourists, generate revenue, and ensure economic returns outweigh hosting costs.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Can Malaysia make Formula One lucrative enough to justify a permanent return to the Sepang International Circuit?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}