Long-term Malaysia F1 return "not impossible" despite government snub

The Sepang International Circuit hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the Malaysian Grand Prix returning to the Formula 1 calendar, despite the government’s refusal to financially support the event.

Malaysia dropped out of F1’s schedule after 2017, just as Liberty Media took over the series from CVC Capital and propelled it to new heights.

In recent years, circuits around the world have enjoyed record attendances, boosting their bottom lines, while Liberty Media has also been actively working with promoters to improve the financial viability of each grand prix.

Under the improved financial climate, Sepang’s management has been increasingly proactive in seeking the return of the Malaysian GP, believing that pulling the plug on the race was a “mistake”.

However, the Malaysian government has made it clear that it won't provide any funding to revive the event, with Liberty reportedly quoting a hosting fee of around $70million.

Nevertheless, the circuit remains hopeful that Malaysia could one day return to the F1 map, even if a comeback appears unlikely in the near future.

“I'm pretty sure Formula 1 will come back someday, but not now,” Sepang CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif told Autosport. “I think the government's effort right now is solely focusing on what the public needs rather than spending millions of dollars and ringgit to pay for Formula 1.