F1 Is Back At Sepang! PMX Teases "Tiket Madani" Cheap Seats — Here’s The Catch

Hold onto your steering wheels, Malaysian motorsport fans: Formula 1 is officially coming back to the Sepang International Circuit! 

After a long 9-year hiatus since 2017, Sepang has been named to step in and host the rescheduled 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to 4. Because of ongoing regional conflicts in the Middle East, Formula 1 and the FIA struck a rare joint agreement between the governments of Bahrain and Malaysia to hold the race right here in our backyard, slotted right between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.

Naturally, once the news broke, Malaysians immediately asked the most Malaysian question possible: "Bro, how much are the tickets?" 

Addressing crowd feedback during a event in Port Dickson, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that the government is looking into introducing "Tiket Madani" options for budget-conscious fans who want to experience the V6 turbo-hybrid roar live.

However, PMX made sure to add a hilarious reality check right off the bat…

Don't Pay Madani Price Expecting Front Row Views

Lewis Hamilton driving for Mercedes during second practice session at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix. (Photo credit: Morio / CC BY-SA 3.0)

During an address to village leaders in Port Dickson, PMX shared that everyday fans were reaching out regarding international standard ticket prices starting from around RM200.

"Many have bought tickets, but some complained because prices follow international rates. They asked me, 'PMX, is there a Tiket Madani?'

"Insya-Allah, we will consider it. However, these seats won't be front-row seats, perhaps further from the track. Don't pay a Madani ticket price and expect to sit right in the front!"

— Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia

Zero FIA Hosting Fees For Malaysia 

Opening lap at the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix. (Photo credit: Morio / CC BY-SA 4.0)

Besides cheaper entry tickets, PMX revealed another massive bonus: Malaysia isn't paying a single cent in FIA registration or hosting fees for the race.

When Sepang dropped off the calendar back in 2017, hosting rights cost hundreds of millions of ringgit annually. This time around, because Bahrain covers the primary hosting investment to maintain its spot on the calendar, Malaysia’s only expenditure is roughly RM16 million for facility and track maintenance at Sepang.

With thousands of international tourists, engineers, and race crews flying into KLIA this October, it's set to deliver a huge boost to local tourism without draining government coffers.