Sepang to make F1 return after 9 year absence
The Sepang International Circuit will appear on this season’s Formula 1 calendar, filling the gap left by Bahrain’s cancelled event. As Bahrain is believed to be still footing the bill; it’ll still be titled the Bahrain Grand Prix, in a unique quirk.
F1’s last visit to the circuit was in 2017 and the event saw Romain Grosjean have a scary practice crash when a drain cover came loose, FP1 outings for Charles Leclerc and Sean Gelael, a debut for a young Pierre Gasly in place of Daniil Kvyat and where Max Verstappen took just his second career victory on his 20th birthday.
The circuit features a long run to turn 1, on the Kuala Lumpur straight, before a seemingly never ending run through turn 2 - Pangkor Laut - a similar setup to the start of the Shanghai circuit, the run continues on to the Langkawi Curve, before a similarly long stretch to and Genting Curve and down to KLIA Curve, and on a sharp section known as Berjaya Tioman Corner. From there, cars will continue to Kenyir Lake Corner and a speedy end to the lap out of Sunway Lagoon Corner and down the Penang straight to the hairpin connecting it the to Kuala Lumpur Straight where the lap began.
Nine of the current grid raced at Sepang on F1’s last visit; Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, Nico Hülkenberg, Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll.
In a statement from Stefano Domenicali: “We are delighted to confirm that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2026. Once again, the sport has demonstrated its ability to adapt, find solutions, and deliver, creating an exciting moment for everyone who follows Formula 1.”
Further to that; “Most importantly, this is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue. Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history. It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world.”
The race takes place from the 2nd to the 4th of October.
📸Image credits: Sepang International Circuit, Formula Motorsport Limited.
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