KUALA LUMPUR — The return of Formula 1 (F1) to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) was marred by complaints over long queues and delays involving free shuttle buses after the opening day of the event yesterday.
Fans claimed they had to wait for hours to board buses after leaving the circuit, with some saying they only managed to get home late at night.
Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds waiting in the rain, with some spectators jostling for space as they tried to board the buses.
A social media user known as FamyR said in a TikTok post that he only arrived home at 12.20am.
“This is only the first day, and I’m planning to go again tomorrow. I don’t know how the bus management will be tomorrow. It’s really bad.
“It looked like ‘Train to Busan’, with everyone scrambling to get on the buses, but there were not enough buses.
“I feel like I don’t have the heart to go tomorrow,” he said, suggesting that he might instead watch the race from home on television today.
@scoopdotmy Kepulangan Formula 1 (F1) ke Litar Antarabangsa Sepang (SIC) memberi peluang kepada peminat untuk menikmati pengalaman menyaksikan acara berprestij berkenaan dari dekat. Namun aksi hari pertama acara Grand Prix (GP) Gulf Air Bahrain semalam dipenuhi dengan rungutan peminat yang mendakwa terpaksa menunggu lama untuk menaiki bas perantara khas percuma selepas acara di litar berkenaan, hingga ke lewat malam. #BahrainGP #Formula1 #Sepang #GrandPrix #Malaysia
♬ original sound – Scoopdotmy
Other social media users also claimed that some spectators were stranded until late at night, with the situation becoming increasingly chaotic as they struggled to find transport home.
Some also claimed that access to e-hailing services was restricted, leaving them heavily reliant on the shuttle bus service provided for spectators.
The complaints have raised concerns among fans that similar problems could occur again today, particularly with larger crowds expected at the circuit.
@bojomalaysia Is This Malaysia’s Version of Train to Busan? 😱 🏁 The F1 Race Is Done, But This Queue Is CRAZY 😭 , with thousands of fans trying to leave Sepang at the same time！ Video Credit: Valtteri (XHS) #rapidkl #bahraingp #sepangcircuit #formula1 #f1malaysia ♬ original sound – bojomalaysia
Previously, Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus) said it had deployed 95 free special shuttle buses in conjunction with the 2026 Gulf Air Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, which runs from Oct 2 to 4.
According to Rapid KL, the shuttle service was provided on a return-trip basis to make it easier and more convenient for visitors to travel to and from the event.
The special shuttle buses to SIC operate from the Level 1 bus hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2, Mitsui KLIA bus hub, De-Village, Persiaran Millenia 2 and Bandar Baru Enstek.
The service operates from 7am to midnight.
Rapid KL also said it had provided shuttle buses within the circuit to facilitate visitors’ movement between key locations.
The complaints surfaced despite the additional transport arrangements announced for the three-day event, with fans now hoping for smoother operations as the event enters its second day. – October 3, 2026