KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 -- As the buzz increases for Formula 1 (F1) returning to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this October, hotel rates on online booking platforms are already spiking.

This follows the announcement that the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix chose Malaysia's SIC as its alternative host venue due to geopolitical unrest and safety concerns in the Middle East.

A brief check by Malay Mail on travel booking platforms such as Booking.com and Trip.com showed that hotel rates around Sepang (including Cyberjaya and Putrajaya) have at least tripled during that race weekend from October 2 to October 4.

Booking.com listed a night stay at Tune Hotel KLIA-KLIA2's Deluxe Double Room on those dates at RM1,564, adding another RM200 cou...