FIA Eyes Bigger Role for Malaysia in Global Motorsport

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport headed by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, oversees world championship motor racing including Formula 1 (F1). In Malaysia, the national circuit operator Sepang International Circuit (SIC) serves as the primary international motorsport venue. The core development initiative focuses on establishing Malaysia as a comprehensive regional motorsport hub beyond F1, solving high entry costs for young local talent while utilising local infrastructure across diverse categories to support the Malaysian motorsport community.

Key Facts

According to the FIA, Malaysia returned to hosting Formula 1 in 2026 after a nine-year hiatus that began following the 2017 Grand Prix.

Why Does the FIA Believe Malaysia Should Expand Beyond Formula 1?

The FIA asserts that Malaysia possesses the racing heritage, knowledgeable fans, and automotive manufacturing foundation required to support a complete motorsport ecosystem rather than relying solely on Formula 1. Consequently, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem advocates that the nation leverage its existing infrastructure to host multiple sanctioned disciplines across all professional tiers.

Speaking to the New Straits Times (NST) and three additional media representatives ahead of the recent Grand Prix race at Sepang, Ben Sulayem highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region holds substantial economic and cultural advantages for broader motorsport operations. Rather than confining its international schedule to single-seater F1 racing, Malaysia offers operational capacity for several global championships, including the World Rally Championship (WRC), Formula E, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and cross-country rally raids.

"Bagi saya, Malaysia bukan hanya mengenai Formula 1. Malaysia adalah mengenai sukan permotoran." ("For me, Malaysia is not just about Formula 1. Malaysia is about motorsport.")

— Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, via New Straits Times (reported by Careta)

The FIA officially recommends that Malaysia expand its international calendar beyond Formula 1 to include the World Rally Championship, Formula E, World Endurance Championship, and cross-country events.

How Can Grassroots Racing Be Made Affordable for Malaysian Drivers?

Grassroots development must focus on reducing entry costs in entry-level categories so younger enthusiasts can transition from amateur karting to professional competition without prohibitive capital expenditure. Lowering equipment expenses allows local participants to access structured driver pathways while developing national racing talent on domestic circuits across Malaysia.

Ben Sulayem outlined specific proposals to introduce more affordable machinery at the foundation level, specifically targeting budget-friendly karting, entry-level rally cars, and cross-car machinery. This strategy directly addresses high financial barriers that prevent aspiring Malaysian drivers from progressing into elite regional and international formulas, creating a pipeline for future competitors.

Introducing lower-cost karting, rally, and cross-car categories serves as the FIA's core strategy to widen grassroots participation for young Malaysian competitors.

Did Sepang International Circuit Successfully Manage the Short-Notice Grand Prix?

Sepang International Circuit demonstrated world-class operational competence by organising the Grand Prix on short notice after taking over the Bahrain event slot. Despite sudden tropical downpours delaying track sessions, local race officials collaborated with Bahraini personnel to execute track management, vehicle recovery, and multiple Safety Car periods effectively.

The Grand Prix delivered complex racing conditions characterised by severe tyre degradation and slick asphalt. Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen secured victory by retaking the lead through race pace and pit strategy, followed by Kimi Antonelli in second place, Lewis Hamilton in third, and Charles Leclerc in fourth. Ben Sulayem praised Malaysian officials and marshals for their high level of technical understanding and professionalism throughout the weekend.

Sepang International Circuit successfully hosted the replacement Grand Prix on short notice despite severe tropical rainfall, multiple Safety Car deployments, and high tyre degradation.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This multi-tier motorsport roadmap targets Malaysian racing enthusiasts, privateer competitors, circuit engineers, and grassroots youth drivers seeking structured entry paths into regulated racing. It serves motorsport fans across urban centres like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor who follow international racing broadcasts and attend domestic live track events at Sepang International Circuit.

In tropical Malaysian racing conditions, vehicle reliability and operational execution face extreme thermal loads, persistent ambient humidity, and sudden monsoon showers that challenge race machinery and circuit drainage. Transitioning from standalone premier spectacles to accessible grassroots categories ensures that local mechanics, drivers, and circuit staff develop consistent, year-round industry expertise in domestic workshops and regional venues.

The development of local cross-car and karting infrastructure provides accessible motorsport entry points for Malaysian youth drivers coping with challenging tropical operational conditions.

Common Questions

Which FIA championships could Malaysia host in addition to Formula 1?

According to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Malaysia has the capability to host the World Rally Championship (WRC), Formula E, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and cross-country racing alongside traditional circuit events.

Who won the recent Formula 1 Grand Prix held at Sepang International Circuit?

Max Verstappen won the race after regaining the lead through race pace and team strategy, finishing ahead of Kimi Antonelli in second, Lewis Hamilton in third, and Charles Leclerc in fourth place.

What challenges did the Sepang track present during the recent Grand Prix?

The race experienced severe tropical downpours that forced session delays, slippery track conditions, high tyre wear, and multiple Safety Car deployments that heightened tactical complexity for competing teams.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on reporting published by Careta (authored by Firdaus Razani on 12 October 2026) regarding an interview conducted by the New Straits Times and three additional media representatives with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Factual details regarding race standings, circuit conditions, and FIA strategic plans reflect direct statements reported in the source material. No external price aggregates were derived. Non-English statements were translated into British English while retaining verified proper nouns and original quotes.

This article was last updated on 12 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against Careta.