Formula 1 excitement is building in Malaysia as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined a Pit Lane Walk at the Sepang International Circuit on Oct. 1, just one day before racing gets underway for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Anwar toured the busy pit lane as teams completed their final preparations for the race weekend. He was accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The visit included an inspection of the paddock, garages and facilities that will welcome thousands of fans throughout the weekend. Anwar also met personnel and volunteers involved in the event and watched a rehearsal featuring the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band and Bahrain Police Band.
The event represents Formula 1’s return to Sepang after a nine-year absence. The circuit last hosted a world championship race in 2017, before Malaysia was removed from the calendar amid concerns over hosting and licensing costs.
This time, however, Sepang is hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix rather than a Malaysian Grand Prix. The Oct. 2-4 event was arranged after the Bahrain race, originally scheduled earlier in the season, was cancelled because of geopolitical tensions in West Asia. An agreement involving Formula 1, the FIA, and the Malaysian and Bahraini governments allowed the race to remain on the 2026 calendar.
Public interest has been strong. Nearly 100,000 tickets had been sold by Sept. 30, a record for races held at the circuit, with around 3,000 tickets still available at that point. Organisers expect more than 200,000 spectators across the three-day event.
The expected crowds have also prompted warnings about heavier traffic around Sepang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Racegoers have been encouraged to use public transport because parking capacity in the area is limited.
Sepang has undergone final preparations ahead of the return, including surface levelling work to address irregularities in the asphalt and cleaning operations designed to improve track conditions. Organisers have also been working with personnel from both the Malaysian and Bahrain circuits to ensure the event runs smoothly.
The return has also renewed attention on the circuit’s place in Formula 1 history. Sepang hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 through 2017 and became known for its demanding layout, high temperatures and physically challenging conditions.
With the first on-track sessions beginning on Oct. 2, the focus now shifts from preparations to racing as drivers, teams and tens of thousands of fans converge on Sepang for Formula 1’s highly anticipated return to the Malaysian circuit.
