F1’s return is expected to bring major visitor spending across Sepang and Selangor.
Formula 1 is returning to Sepang for the first time since 2017, with authorities, tourism agencies, hotels, and local businesses preparing for an influx of visitors.
More Than 110,000 Spectators Expected
The three-day F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit will run from October 2 to 4, 2026, with more than 110,000 spectators expected. Malaysia’s Immigration Department estimates that foreign visitor numbers could reach 300,000 during the period, while race fans, teams, and technical personnel are expected to increase demand in Sepang and surrounding areas.
Road Upgrades Prepare Sepang for Crowds
Sepang MP Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said infrastructure improvements have been carried out to handle increased traffic and visitor numbers. The federal government spent RM16 million on road upgrades around Sepang, including FT26, FT27, FT29, and FT34, while the Selangor government allocated another RM1.5 million to upgrade Jalan B48.
Businesses Expect Wider Economic Activity
Aiman Athirah said the race is expected to increase activity across tourism, hospitality, transport, food and beverage, and other local businesses. Demand is expected to extend beyond Sepang into Cyberjaya, Putrajaya, and the wider Klang Valley, while attractions such as Pantai Bagan Lalang, Sungai Pelek, Dengkil, and community-based tourism sites are also being promoted to visitors.
Tourism Campaigns Expand Beyond Racing
Tourism Malaysia is using the race to promote the country through Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026, which runs until October 4 as part of Visit Malaysia 2026-2027. Selangor is also organizing the Selangor Mega Food Festival 2026 at Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA from October 2 to 4, bringing together more than 50 local food vendors, lifestyle entrepreneurs, and tourism industry participants.
Hotels See Strong Race-Period Demand
Hotels in Sepang and nearby Putrajaya have recorded strong demand ahead of the F1 weekend, with some properties previously reaching full capacity during the early booking period. Tourism and hospitality representatives cited in the reports expect the event to generate broader economic spillover while strengthening Selangor’s position as a destination for major international sporting events.
For Malaysians, the return of Formula 1 is being positioned as an opportunity to generate business beyond the circuit through hospitality, food, transport, tourism, and local attractions. For Singaporeans and Indonesians considering travel to Malaysia during the race period, the expected crowds and strong accommodation demand are also important practical factors surrounding the October event.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , The Star (2026)
Keywords: Formula 1 Malaysia, Sepang F1 Return, Sepang Tourism, Malaysia Sports Tourism, Selangor Business, Bahrain Grand Prix
