KUALA LUMPUR – Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is investigating reports of Formula 1 tickets being bought in bulk and resold at inflated prices, with tickets found to have breached the terms and conditions potentially facing cancellation.
The investigation follows complaints from fans who said they struggled to secure tickets for Formula 1’s return to Malaysia, only to see tickets subsequently advertised for resale at significantly higher prices.
SIC told Scoop in a statement that it takes reports of unauthorised bulk purchases and resale seriously, adding that it is working with Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to review the reported transactions.
“SIC takes reports of unauthorised bulk purchasing and resale seriously. Ticket sales for the event are conducted through the BIC sales channel, which includes purchase limits and verification measures.
“We are reviewing the transactions reported and will work with BIC to take appropriate action where purchases are found to have breached the applicable ticketing terms and conditions,” it said.
SIC said it was not yet in a position to confirm how individuals allegedly managed to obtain tickets in bulk, but acknowledged that several methods could have been used to circumvent existing controls.
“We are not in a position to confirm the methods used in the specific cases being reported without first completing our review.
“Ticket sales are subject to per-purchaser limits and verification checks. Where those checks are circumvented, including through the use of multiple accounts, false information or automated bots, we treat that as a breach of the terms of sale and are actively investigating,” it said.
SIC also stopped short of describing the reported cases as a failure of the ticketing system, saying the specific transactions remained under review.
“At this stage, we would not characterise the reported cases as a failure of the ticketing system, as the specific transactions remain under review,” it said.
However, SIC said it was reviewing the effectiveness of existing safeguards with BIC, particularly those relating to purchaser verification and bulk purchasing.
The issue has also raised concerns over the RM200 Malaysian-resident ticket category, which was introduced to make the event more accessible to Malaysian fans.
SIC said the initiative remained a priority, while warning that tickets obtained or resold in breach of eligibility or resale conditions could face action.
“The RM200 Malaysian-resident ticket category was introduced to make the event more accessible to Malaysian fans, and that objective remains a priority for SIC,” it said.
“Where tickets in this category are found to have been obtained or resold in breach of the applicable eligibility or resale conditions, SIC will work with BIC to take appropriate action in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions.”
SIC said it was engaging BIC on the matter and that action could include cancelling tickets found to have breached the rules.
“We are reviewing the transactions identified and will take the appropriate steps available to us under the ticketing terms and conditions, which may include cancellation of tickets found to be in breach,” it said.
The return of Formula 1 to Malaysia has generated strong interest among local fans, with the event scheduled to take place at Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4. – September 3, 2026