Malaysia has been a part of the F1 calendar since 1999, but ticket sales to the races have been on the decline since 2014, according to local report. Formula 1’s fate in Malaysia is now in question, according to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Datuk Razlan Razali, following discussions next week with the Ministry of Finance, which is SIC’s key shareholder.
Sales have consistently fallen 10% each year, while initial reports showed that TV viewership of the sport in Malaysia was the “lowest in history,” according to Razlan. “In contrast, the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) looks more promising in terms of attracting spectators and its potential spillover effects,” he added.
Contrasting with F1’s spectatorship decline is MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycle championship, which continues to see growth. “Last year we saw 85,000 spectators for our MotoGP. This year, as all the tickets have already been sold out, we target a record 90,000 spectators, inclusive of from the hill stands,” explained Razlan.
“Moving forward, if all parties collaborate, inclusive of the ministries of tourism, sports and communication, we may improve further,” Razlan concluded. First hosted in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam from 1991 and then in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Sepang has been home to the Malaysian round of MotoGP since 1999.
However, there will be no rush to issue an official statement on Malaysia’s exit from the F1 calendar as of yet, as SIC has a “watertight agreement” with the sport’s licence holders until 2018. Circuit management also clarified that no decision about the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix will be made this week. Only the renewal of the MotoGP licence, which expires this year, is expected to be finalised so soon.
So, what do you think of this – do you want F1 to stay?
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments strongly suggest that F1 races in Malaysia, particularly at Sepang, are viewed as boring, expensive, and less exciting than MotoGP or other motorsports like Formula E and Le Mans. Many feel F1 no longer attracts enough spectators and is losing relevance due to high costs, strict regulations, and declining local interest. Some propose dropping F1 altogether in favor of more thrilling and accessible events, emphasizing the need for better promotion, infrastructure, and alternative motorsport options to reignite public enthusiasm.