24.09.2026

10 Fun Facts on F1 in Malaysia That You Cannot Miss Before Race Day

Something special is happening for F1 in Malaysia. The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Sepang, Malaysia. This brings Formula 1 back to Malaysian soil for the first time in nine years.

If you are a lifelong F1 fan or a curious first-timer, here are the fun facts that make F1 in Malaysia so special.

Fun Fact 1: A Historic First

For the first time in modern F1 history, a Grand Prix has been relocated to another country.

What happened:

The Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled for April 2026
Instead of cancelling the race, Formula 1 worked with Bahrain and Malaysia
The race keeps its name and financial backing from Bahrain
The action happens at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia

Why it matters: F1 in Malaysia 2026 is a moment of international collaboration. Two nations worked together to make this race happen.

Fun Fact 2: Sepang Returns After Nine Years

Formula 1 last raced at Sepang in 2017. Now, F1 in Malaysia returns to the sport.

Why Sepang is special:

First circuit designed by Hermann Tilke
Made its F1 debut in 1999
Hosted 19 consecutive races until 2017
A fan and driver favourite

Why it matters: F1 in Malaysia 2026 is a homecoming for Malaysian fans. The sport they love is back.

Fun Fact 3: 14 Countries Are Participating

The 2026 F1 season features 22 drivers from 14 countries.

Countries represented:

Argentina – Franco Colapinto
Australia – Oscar Piastri
Brazil – Gabriel Bortoleto
Britain – Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Lando Norris, Oliver Bearman, Arvid Lindblad
Canada – Lance Stroll
Finland – Valtteri Bottas
France – Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Isack Hadjar
Germany – Nico Hulkenberg
Italy – Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Mexico – Sergio Perez
Monaco – Charles Leclerc
Netherlands – Max Verstappen
New Zealand – Liam Lawson
Spain – Fernando Alonso
Thailand – Alex Albon

Why it matters: F1 in Malaysia 2026 is a truly international event. You are watching the best drivers from around the world compete on Malaysian soil.

Fun Fact 4: Built on a Palm Plantation

Sepang International Circuit has a unique origin story.

Did you know:

The track was built on a former oil palm plantation
5,000 palm trees were planted around the circuit
The grandstand canopies mirror the shape of palm fronds

Why it matters: F1 in Malaysia takes place at a circuit built with respect for the environment.

Fun Fact 5: One of the Most Demanding Races

Drivers consider Sepang one of the toughest races of the season.

What makes it challenging:

High heat and humidity
One of the most physically demanding races on the calendar
Requires peak physical fitness

Why it matters: When you watch F1 in Malaysia 2026, you are watching drivers push themselves to the limit.

Fun Fact 6: Affordable Tickets for Malaysians

The organisers have made F1 in Malaysia accessible to Malaysian fans.

Ticket prices:

MyKad holders: From RM200 for three-day tickets
G Hillstand: RM200
F Grandstand: RM1,291.40
Main Grandstand: RM2,083.40
International fans: From USD219

Why it matters: F1 in Malaysia 2026 is one of the most affordable F1 races on the calendar.

Fun Fact 7: Bahrain Is Sending 522 Marshals

To ensure F1 in Malaysia runs smoothly, Bahrain is sending officials to Malaysia.

The details:

Bahrain Motor Federation deploying around 522 marshals
Supporting race operations, safety, and recovery
Shows commitment to the event's success

Why it matters: This level of collaboration shows how serious both nations are about making this race a success.

Fun Fact 8: This Has Happened Before

While rare, this is not the first time a Grand Prix has been held in a different country than its name suggests.

Historical examples:

Luxembourg Grand Prix – held in Germany
Swiss Grand Prix – held in France
San Marino Grand Prix – held in Italy

Why it matters: F1 in Malaysia 2026 joins a shortlist of races that crossed borders to keep the sport alive.

Fun Fact 9: The Track Has 15 Turns

Sepang International Circuit is a technical track that challenges even the best drivers.

The numbers:

5.543 km long
15 turns (9 right, 6 left)
Two long straights for overtaking
Wide track surface for side-by-side racing

Why it matters: The layout produces exciting racing and plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Fun Fact 10: The Circuit Is Near the Airport

Sepang International Circuit has a convenient location.

Location details:

Only 14km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
About 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre
Accessible by highway and public transport
Close to major hotels and amenities

Why it matters: F1 in Malaysia 2026 is easy to reach for both local and international fans.

F1 in Malaysia 2026: FAQ

What is F1 in Malaysia 2026?
F1 in Malaysia 2026, also known as Formula 1 Malaysia 2026, is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

When is F1 in Malaysia 2026?
The race takes place from 2 to 4 October 2026.

Where is F1 in Malaysia 2026 held?
The event is held at Sepang International Circuit in Selangor, Malaysia.

Why is it called the Bahrain Grand Prix if it is in Malaysia?
Bahrain is the financial backer of the event and retains the naming rights. This is a unique arrangement in F1 history.

Which countries are participating in F1 in Malaysia 2026?
The 2026 season features drivers from 14 countries, including Britain, Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Australia, Thailand, Canada, Finland, Argentina, Brazil, and New Zealand.

How much are tickets for F1 in Malaysia 2026?
MyKad holders can get three-day tickets from RM200. International fans start from USD219.

Has F1 raced at Sepang before?
Yes, Sepang hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017.

What makes Sepang special?
It was the first circuit designed by Hermann Tilke, built on a former palm plantation with 5,000 palm trees planted around it. The track is 5.543 km long with 15 turns.

Get to Sepang with WAHDAH

Planning to attend F1 in Malaysia 2026? Getting to Sepang International Circuit is easy with your own car.

Why WAHDAH?

Unlimited Mileage – Drive to Sepang without worrying about extra fees
Flexible Pickup and Drop Off – Pick up at the airport, your hotel, or anywhere convenient
Customer Support – Help whenever you need it
Well Maintained Vehicles – Clean, comfortable, and reliable cars