KUALA LUMPUR – Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are relishing the prospect of racing at the Sepang International Circuit after Malaysia was officially confirmed as the replacement host for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, with both describing the sport’s return to the iconic venue as a special moment.
Russell said Sepang had long been one of his favourite circuits despite never having raced there, having spent countless hours driving it virtually on the Formula One video game during his childhood.
“Based in Malaysia, Sepang would be so, so cool. Sepang was actually my favourite track as a kid when I used to play it on the F1 game.
“I’ve never driven there, but I feel like I know it really well because I drove it so often, so that would be really cool. And obviously it’s the home of Petronas as well, so, yeah, that’d be awesome,” Russell said in a video shared on the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s official Instagram account yesterday.
Antonelli, fresh from his maiden Formula One victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, echoed Russell’s excitement, saying racing in Malaysia would be particularly meaningful as it is the home of Petronas, the team’s title sponsor.
Having only experienced Sepang virtually, the Italian youngster said it was a circuit he had always wanted to race on.
“That’s actually Petronas’ proper home race. So that’s cool. I mean, it’s also a really cool track, Sepang. So I think it’s gonna be sick,” said Antonelli.
Meanwhile, Scuderia Ferrari HP welcomed Formula One’s return to Malaysia by posting on its official social media platforms: “Mark your calendars, we’re headed back to Sepang in October,” accompanied by a “Malaysia Returns” graphic featuring the Sepang International Circuit.
Ferrari has enjoyed remarkable success at Sepang, winning a record eight Malaysian Grands Prix, beginning with Michael Schumacher’s triumph at the inaugural race in 1999.
Sebastian Vettel later added to the team’s rich history by delivering Ferrari’s most recent victory at the circuit in 2015, ending Mercedes’ winning streak at the start of that season.
Formula One yesterday confirmed that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix after an agreement was reached between Formula One, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
The race is scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct 2 to 4 and will retain its original title, the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, subject to the completion of final agreements and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
The arrangement ensures the Bahrain Grand Prix remains on the 2026 Formula One calendar after the original event was cancelled earlier this season because of geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Malaysia last hosted a Formula One race in 2017, bringing to an end an 18-year run that began with the inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang in 1999.
The circuit has since remained one of Formula One’s most highly regarded venues, making its long-awaited return to the calendar a significant moment for Malaysian motorsport. — July 27, 2026