Malaysia's Cabinet is expected to receive a feasibility study on returning Formula One to Sepang in the third week or towards the end of November, according to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif.
Free Malaysia Today reported that Azhan made the remarks to reporters after the 2026 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the circuit. He said the exact timing would depend on when a Cabinet meeting slot became available.
The study is set to assess the cost of staging a race, whether the circuit and its supporting infrastructure are ready, and the economic benefits the country could expect. Azhan stressed that the government would only make a decision after these areas had been examined.
SIC plans to work alongside the relevant ministries, notably the finance ministry and the youth and sports ministry, and will also gather views from private sector industry players.
"Hosting F1 is no small undertaking. It is a national project," Azhan said.
Even if the government gives its approval, fans may face a lengthy wait. Azhan said early talks with the sport's commercial rights holders indicated that a slot on the calendar for Malaysia would not be available until 2029.
He added, however, that SIC intends to hold further talks with F1 to look at other opportunities and forms of cooperation that could be pursued sooner.
Azhan identified cost as a central factor, pointing to the large investment required to host a grand prix and the need for proper infrastructure preparation.
SIC will also look into the tax arrangements linked to F1, with the aim of ensuring that revenue from associated economic activity flows back to the government and helps it recover part of its outlay.