Malaysia risks falling behind on the global stage without hosting major international events like the Formula One Grand Prix (F1), says former Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Datuk Razlan Razali. Speaking on Friday, Razlan stressed that bringing back the F1 should be part of a larger, well-planned national strategy not just seen as an expensive, one-off event. He pointed out that while the RM300 million annual cost may seem high, the F1 offers long-term economic benefits, including tourism, international exposure, job creation, and investment opportunities. Razlan, who led SIC from 2008 to 2020, said mega events like the F1 help boost Malaysia’s image as a modern, dynamic country capable of hosting world-class events. Without them, he warned, Malaysia could fall behind regional competitors who are aggressively investing in such platforms.