IN MALAYSIA
The Sepang International Circuit is a track of extremes. Opened in 1999, it quickly became a firm favourite, producing excellent, unpredictable races while providing a complete test for drivers.
The 5.543km-long, 15-turn circuit is fast, flowing, and physically demanding. Its wide, sweeping layout and heavy braking zones promote overtaking, with several opportunities around the track, most notably at the end of the pit straight going into Turn 1, and across two long straights connected by the Turn 15 hairpin.
Changeable weather conditions add another layer of intrigue, with extreme heat giving way to tropical downpours to keep the strategists on their toes.
Even when the races remain dry, the intense heat and humidity make this one of the season's most demanding races, while the high G-forces in sweeping corners such as Turns 5 and 6 and heavy braking zones further sap their energy.
It isn’t only the circuit design that is interesting – the Hibiscus Grandstand is shaped and named after Malaysia's national flower, and was built to provide shade from the tropical sun.
We’ve enjoyed notable success here in the past, with Malaysia hosting Kimi Räikkönen’s famous first win in 2003 and a dominant 1-2 for Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in 2007.
Returning for a one-off race in 2026, the Sepang International Circuit will host this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix on 2 – 4 October, ensuring the continuity of an event that was previously postponed.
BAHRAIN GP IN MALAYSIA
