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Sepang: the golden opportunity Formula 1 failed to seize
The Malaysian circuit had everything to become a permanent championship venue, but F1 and its organisers allowed the opportunity to fade.
5 October 2026 1 min read 3 views
Sepang offered a modern, technical and spectacular layout that tested cars and drivers with heat, humidity and sudden rain. For years, the Malaysian Grand Prix was one of the most recognisable events on Formula 1’s Asian calendar.
The race left the championship after 2017 amid high costs and attendance judged insufficient. A more farsighted approach could have strengthened F1’s ties with Southeast Asia. Instead, the series lost a unique circuit and a valuable opportunity for regional growth.