Sepang International Circuit to Close From September 7
Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will temporarily close from September 7, 2026, as preparations accelerate for Formula 1's return to the Malaysian circuit.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari confirmed that SIC will be fully closed to external rentals while refurbishment and upgrading works are carried out ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for October 2–4, 2026.
The closure represents one of the final major preparation phases before Formula 1 cars return to Sepang for the first time since 2017.
F1 Refurbishment Goes Beyond the Race Track
The work at SIC will not be limited to the racing surface.
According to the Youth and Sports Minister, upgrades will cover the track, spectator seating, restrooms and other facilities throughout the circuit. The objective is to ensure the venue is ready to host an international Formula 1 event and present Malaysia at its best on the global stage.
Preparatory work is already underway, but from September 7 the circuit will be completely unavailable for rental by outside parties while the refurbishment enters its critical phase.
For Malaysian motorsport teams and track users, that means normal circuit activities will temporarily make way for Formula 1 preparations.
Sepang Prepares for Formula 1's Return
The upcoming event marks a significant moment for Sepang.
Malaysia last hosted Formula 1 at SIC in 2017, bringing an initial run of Malaysian Grands Prix that began in 1999 to an end.
Now, nearly nine years later, Formula 1 machinery is preparing to return to the 5.543-kilometre circuit.
The 2026 event will be held as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, with the three-day race weekend taking place from October 2 to 4.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is coordinating preparations for the event, with a main committee, technical committee and sub-committees established to oversee different operational areas. The technical committee is meeting weekly, with its findings subsequently presented to the Cabinet.
SIC and Bahrain International Circuit Coordinate Preparations
Another important part of the preparation involves cooperation between Sepang International Circuit and Bahrain International Circuit.
According to Taufiq, an agreement between the two circuits has been signed covering several operational matters, including ticket sales, parking and event logistics.
Other areas such as protocol, international affairs and immigration are also being coordinated as Malaysia prepares for the arrival of Formula 1 teams, personnel and international spectators.
The government is also targeting wider economic benefits from the three-day event, particularly through tourism and spending surrounding the race weekend.
A Major Month Ahead for Malaysian Motorsport
September will therefore become an important preparation period for SIC.
Once the circuit closes on September 7, attention will turn toward completing the necessary refurbishment, operational preparations and final checks before the F1 paddock arrives.
For Malaysian motorsport, Formula 1's return also places Sepang back under the global spotlight.
The same circuit that regularly hosts Malaysian racing championships, MotoGP and regional motorsport events will once again welcome the world's premier single-seater championship.
Winbox Racing: Sepang Gets Ready for Formula 1
For Winbox Racing, Sepang International Circuit is more than an international racing venue. It is at the heart of Malaysia's motorsport scene and a circuit where local teams and drivers regularly compete.
Its temporary closure from September 7 signals just how close Formula 1's return has become.
From improvements to the racing surface and grandstands to spectator facilities and event operations, the coming weeks will be focused on getting Sepang ready for one of Malaysia's biggest motorsport weekends in years.
September 7: refurbishment begins in full.
October 2–4: Formula 1 returns to Sepang.
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