October 2, 2026 · Race-week update
Malaysians Can Watch the Sepang F1 Race Free on RTM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that RTM will broadcast the Sepang race live and free for Malaysians. What was actually announced, what it means if you don't have F1 TV, and what's still unconfirmed.
If you're in Malaysia and you don't subscribe to F1 TV or a paid sports package, this one's for you: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that RTM will broadcast the Sepang Formula 1 race live and free for Malaysians.
What was actually announced
The announcement, made by the Prime Minister ahead of the race weekend: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) will carry the race live, free-to-air, for Malaysian viewers. It's a big deal in a market where F1 has mostly lived behind paywalls — an estimated home crowd of 95,000+ at the circuit, and now the whole country can watch free.
This is the kind of move that tells you how seriously Malaysia is taking this race weekend: a government-backed push to make the home Grand Prix a national event, not just a ticket-holders' event.
What's still unconfirmed
Honest framing: the announcement confirms the race, live, free, on RTM — but at the time of writing, the details we haven't seen confirmed are which RTM channel carries it, whether there's a streaming option (RTM Klik), and whether practice and qualifying are included or just the race itself. We'll update this page the moment the broadcast details land.
If you're planning around it: check RTM's published schedule on race morning rather than assuming. Announcements like this sometimes firm up the specifics only days before.
If you're outside Malaysia
Free-to-air doesn't mean worldwide — RTM's broadcast rights are for Malaysia, and geo-restrictions will almost certainly apply to any stream. If you're watching from abroad, your usual F1 TV or local broadcaster arrangements still apply. Our FAQ covers the standard viewing options.
Quick answers
Is the Sepang F1 race free to watch in Malaysia?
Yes — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced RTM will broadcast the race live and free-to-air for Malaysian viewers.
Which RTM channel will show the race?
Not yet confirmed at the time of writing. Check RTM's published schedule on race morning; we'll update this page when details land.
Does the free broadcast include practice and qualifying?
Unconfirmed. The announcement covers the race; practice/qualifying coverage hasn't been detailed.
Can I watch the RTM stream from outside Malaysia?
Almost certainly not — broadcast rights are Malaysia-only and geo-restrictions are expected to apply.
Sources
Prime Minister's Office announcement (RTM free live broadcast for Malaysians), via national media reporting Oct 1–2, 2026.