Will Singapore follow Malaysia in axing its Formula One grand prix – and why would it want to?
F1 could find itself without a race in Southeast Asia for first time in two decades after Malaysia cites costs in its decision to stop hosting races
The globetrotting sport of Formula One could find itself void of a Southeast Asian race for the first time in two decades as Singapore – one of two regional hosts – considers pulling out as it weighs up the fleeting international limelight that comes with hosting the event with the exorbitant cost of doing so.
Neighbouring Malaysia, an F1 host since 1998, on Monday left the sport’s future in the region on tenterhooks after a government minister confirmed it would stop hosting a grand prix after 2018, citing declining economic returns.
And observers say Southeast Asia’s only other F1 grand prix– Singapore’s floodlit night race in Marina Bay – could be the next to face the axe after next year’s edition.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone stoked that belief after comments in a German magazine suggesting the city state had shown “no gratitude” for its rise in international stature since it started hosting the street race in 2008.
Now Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone seeks ‘long-term’ Singapore deal after previously insulting Lion City
The 86-year-old later walked back his comments but the public griping over negotiations suggests the wealthy city state may not be willing to break the bank to secure races beyond 2017.
