F1 is finally returning to Malaysia after nine years. Let's discuss how incredible a track the Sepang International Circuit is, along with its previous winners and memorable moments
Formula 1, along with the FIA, recently announced that the grid will return to the Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4. While it replaces Bahrain in the calendar year, it still carries the title "Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia".
This marks the first F1 Grand Prix in Malaysia since 2017, when a then-20-year-old Max Verstappen won. Originally an F1 staple since its debut in 1999, Sepang tested drivers' skills and teams' strategies more than any other track.
What makes Sepang an exciting F1 circuit?
Designed by renowned German circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the Sepang International Circuit spans 5.543 kilometers of sweeping corners and two long straights. It sits close to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which makes it a more attractive destination in the F1 calendar.
Typically, an F1 race runs 56 laps in the Malaysian GP. What makes each lap interesting is how unique some of its sections are.
- The Turns 1-2 trap: A long straight funnels into a right-then-left chicane that makes Sepang's Turns 1 and 2 an exciting section. It allows multiple racing lines, which historically produced overtaking opportunities right at the start.
- Turns 5-6: Known as the Genting Curve, Turns 5 and 6 form a rapid left-right downhill sequence of high-speed action. This is where drivers start to hurt their tyres.
- Turn 9: From medium-speed corners in Turns 7 and 8, drivers then navigate the slow left-hand uphill hairpin of Turn 9.
- Turns 14-15: After the high-speed Turn 13 comes the Sunway Lagoon curve at Turn 14. This leads to a long back straight into another slow left-hand hairpin at Turn 15. The back straight gives drivers massive opportunities to overtake.
Lewis Hamilton, who drove for Mercedes back then, owns the fastest ever F1 qualifying lap time at the Sepang International Circuit. He finished Q3 of the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying with a fast lap of 1:30.076.
Why was the Malaysia Grand Prix cancelled in 2018?
A myriad of financial reasons led to the cancellation of the F1 Malaysian GP after the 2017 season. In 2016, Malaysian tourism minister Nazri Aziz said that the country was spending around RM300 million annually to host the Grand Prix.
With dwindling ticket sales and television viewership, hosting an F1 weekend was no longer financially viable for the Malaysian government.
But staging the Bahrain GP as a replacement in 2026 could be the start of something new for Sepang. Let's see if they can increase ticket sales and viewership this time around.
The last Malaysian Grand Prix winners
Since 2010, Red Bull drivers have largely dominated in Sepang. Verstappen, now a four-time World Champion, was the last winner on this circuit.
- 2017: Max Verstappen, Red Bull TAG Heuer
- 2016: Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull TAG Heuer
- 2015: Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
- 2014: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- 2013: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Renault
- 2012: Fernando Alonso, Ferrari
- 2011: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Renault
- 2010: Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Renault
Memorable moments in Malaysian Grand Prix history
Sepang has had its share of unforgettable Formula 1 moments since 1999. Here are a few to remember.
2017: Verstappen's birthday weekend
Max Verstappen turned 20 the day before the race, but his birthday celebrations were far from over.
Lewis Hamilton set a historic qualifying time on Saturday to start from pole, with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in P2 and Verstappen in P3.
But Raikkonen, an iconic driver in his own way, suffered an issue that forced him to retire before the race even started. Verstappen overtook Hamilton early, controlled the race, and finished 12.770 seconds ahead of the Mercedes driver.
If people were unsure of how generational a talent Verstappen is, all doubts were erased after that weekend.
2013: "Multi 21, Seb"
In possibly Sepang's most famous controversy, Red Bull drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber reached a breaking point in their rivalry.
Red Bull was on pace for a 1-2 finish, with Webber in front and Vettel trailing not far behind. With tyres overheating, the team wanted both drivers to maintain position and preserve their tyres. So, they made the "Multi 21" call, which meant Vettel should hold his position.
Instead, Vettel ignored the order, overtook Webber, and won the race.
Post-race in the cooldown room, Webber was seen frustrated, repeating the words Multi 21 to Vettel. Safe to say, it was an uncomfortable podium celebration for the Red Bull team.
1999: Schumacher returns and helps his teammate
Less than 100 days after breaking his leg, Ferrari's Michael Schumacher returned to the grid just in time for the inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix.
It was a stunning qualifying session for Schumacher, winning pole by almost a full second ahead of teammate Eddie Irvine.
As he was already well behind the championship points, Schumacher opted to support Irvine, who was then leading the Drivers' standings. Schumacher let Irvine pass him and then held McLaren's Mika Hakkinen behind him.
In the end, Irvine won the race, and Ferrari celebrated a 1-2. Considered one of the best drivers in Ferrari's history, Schumacher showed in Sepang that he can also play the team game.
