Formula 1 will race at the Sepang International Circuit for the first time in eight years this weekend. Here’s what to watch for at the awkwardly-named ‘Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia’.
Return of a modern classic
The Sepang International Circuit was one of the first examples of Formula 1’s international expansion into explored territories far beyond its traditional European heartland. Though it had gone to existing circuits in Asia and elsewhere before, Sepang proved a template which other countries later followed.Some like South Korea and India did not endure as long as Malaysia. Others, like China and Bahrain, out-lasted it: Sepang held its last grand prix in 2017.
F1 arguably lost one of its better modern tracks when it left. Sepang features some impressively quick corners and astonishingly wide straights. The climate often created drama, too, as rain showed can be sudden, unexpected and intense.
A new(ish) challenge
Three teams have pairings with no prior F1 experience at this track: Mercedes, McLaren and Racing Bulls. This will also be the first visits to Sepang for Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto, Oliver Bearman, Alexander Albon and Gabriel Bortoleto.
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Mercedes’ killer blow?
Mercedes’ early dominance was followed by a mid-season run during which they won just two out of six rounds. However they have rebounded since then, winning all of the last three races, without putting any significant updates on their W17.
One factor may work against them: George Russell is expected to need a new power unit soon and will have to take a penalty when he does. He took a useful bite of out his team mate’s championship lead in Azerbaijan, but he’ll be badly hamstrung if he has to start near the back in Sepang.
Alonso’s faith in Aston Martin – and F1
Fernando Alonso made it clear he would only continue to race in Formula 1 if he was happy both with the car Aston Martin gave him and the state of the series’ regulations. The two-times world champion has been one of the most vehement critics of F1’s 2026 power unit rules.
So it won’t just be Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll who breathed a sigh of relief when Alonso committed to return in 2026 – FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem will too. But will he also be pushing to give more help to Aston Martin’s power unit supplier Honda too?
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Au revoir Ocon?
The situation has noticeable parallels with Ocon’s departure from Alpine two years ago. That too was announced long before the end of the season with no official word on the identity of Ocon’s replacement.
On that occasion Ocon wasn’t able to start his final race for the team as Alpine dropped him so suddenly he wasn’t able to use the special helmet he’d prepared. There’s no indication Haas may do the same, though it wouldn’t be a surprise if he isn’t the only driver who doesn’t get to race in Abu Dhabi this year…
Will there be a ‘Bahrain Grand Prix in Bahrain’?
F1’s return to Sepang has come about due to the volatility in the Middle East caused by the war between the US and Iran. The conflict appears far from over, yet F1 is dragging its feet in reaction.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali originally indicated a decision would be taken in mid-September. Now F1 appears to be hanging on as late as possible in the hope of minimising its financial losses.
In the meantime it has already announced the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held in the country to open the 2027 season. That’s just six months away, which is already beginning to look optimistic.
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