KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) said the decision on whether Malaysia will once again host a Formula One (F1) race falls under the purview of the Youth and Sports Ministry and relevant authorities.
In a statement to Bernama Saturday (July 25), the national oil company said it was aware of the possibility of the championship returning to the country this year
"As a business entity, PETRONAS will continue to pursue opportunities that align with its strategic and commercial priorities, while delivering sustainable long-term value for the nation," it added.
On Friday (July 24), Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry is conducting discussions and assessing the possibility of the F1 race returning to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), following preliminary information that Malaysia could host a replacement race if the Bahrain Grand Prix is unable to go ahead.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the ministry had received early information on the proposal, and further developments would be announced once a decision has been finalised.
Malaysia last hosted an F1 Grand Prix in 2017, but the SIC has remained on the MotoGP calendar and retains the FIA Grade 1 licence required to host an F1 race.
In 2024, PETRONAS, a partner of the current F1 leader, the Mercedes F1 team, was reported to have been planning to bring the race back to the country in 2026, a claim which it had denied.
PETRONAS has been sponsoring the Mercedes F1 team since 2010.
Meanwhile, the SIC continues to host MotoGP races and other motorsport events.
In October 2023, PETRONAS won the naming rights to the circuit for three years.
F1's 2026 season was originally scheduled as a 24-race championship, and the addition of replacement races would satisfy broadcast deals and could bring the number of races back to 22 or 23. - Bernama
