Formula 1 is set to return to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time in nine years as Malaysia hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. The championship event was relocated from the Sakhir circuit because the Gulf state was unable to stage its scheduled April race due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Malaysia last welcomed the sport in 2017, when Max Verstappen claimed victory for Red Bull. The 3.44-mile layout, designed by renowned F1 architect Hermann Tilke, is widely regarded as one of the premier modern circuits. Since its debut in 1999, Sepang has been celebrated for its demanding aerodynamic profile, featuring a mix of high-speed corners and heavy braking zones.
The race marks the second leg of the season’s opening flyaway triple header. George Russell revitalized his title charge with a narrow win in Baku, finishing less than two-tenths of a second ahead of Verstappen. Meanwhile, championship leader Kimi Antonelli saw his advantage reduced to 66 points over the remaining eight rounds after a qualifying crash limited him to fifth place.
Lewis Hamilton sits 103 points off the pace, with Lando Norris a further 13 points back, though McLaren are expected to be competitive on the fast-paced track. Drivers have expressed excitement about the return to Sepang, citing its sweeping corners and technical final sector that feeds onto a half-mile straight before the final hairpin.
Weather conditions in tropical Malaysia present a variable challenge, with the potential for sudden thunderstorms and heavy rain. Teams will need to remain agile with their weather radar strategies as historic races in the region have frequently been affected by wet conditions.
For UK viewers, the schedule offers convenient morning viewing. Sky Sports F1 will broadcast Practice One starting at 5am on Friday, October 2, followed by Practice Two at 8.45am. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, October 3, at 9am, with the Grand Prix itself scheduled for 8am on Sunday, October 4.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch all sessions live on Sky Sports F1 or via the Sky Sports app, which includes driver onboard options. Those without a Sky subscription can stream the weekend through NOW, which offers day or monthly passes with no contract requirements. Live blogs and post-race highlights will also be available on the Sky Sports platform.
Rain in Malaysia? Please no. Remember how dramatic the 2017 race was? I need fewer weather-related red flags this time.
Antonelli dropping to fifth in Baku might actually shake up the championship. Sepang could be the perfect battleground for him.
As a Malaysian, I missed the roar of those engines at Sepang. Hope the track is ready after all these years.
Wait, October? I thought the season ended months ago. Did F1 just invent a new time of year?
Sepang return is huge news! That final sector with the long straight and hard braking zone is pure driver gold.