Malaysia’s energy firm Petronas denied rumors it was in talks with Formula 1 to bring back the race at the Sepang International Circuit.
Reuters had reported early Wednesday that the energy giant was making efforts to bring the iconic F1 race back to the country.
“Petronas’ plan to bring back the F1 race was revealed during a company townhall led by the firm’s President and Chief Executive Officer Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz on Tuesday,” the Reuters report said, according to their sources who declined “to be identified as they were not authorized to speak to media.”
However, the reports were quickly denied by Petronas with a statement.
“Petronas refers to the news reports published on 31 January 2024 on the potential return of the Formula One Grand Prix to Sepang, Malaysia, in 2026.”
“We would like to confirm that there have been no discussions on bringing the sport back to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit,” it said.
The Malaysian Grand Prix was last held in 2017. Rising hosting fees and declining ticket sales were the culprits for the contract not being renewed.