SEPANG: Formula One made a dramatic return to the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (SIC) after nine years, with Max Verstappen taking victory in a rain-hit Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix that delivered the speed, drama and unpredictable weather that fans have come to associate with Sepang.
The Red Bull Racing driver ended his season-long victory drought with a composed drive in challenging wet conditions, holding off Mercedes championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli to claim his first win of the 2026 season.
More than 100,000 local and international fans packed the circuit for the race, while the entire race weekend attracted a record 261,000 spectators, surpassing SIC’s previous high of 126,690 recorded at the 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix.
Rain Delays F1’s Long-Awaited Return
The highly anticipated return of F1 to Sepang was anything but straightforward.
Heavy rain and waterlogging forced the scheduled 3pm race start to be delayed by 93 minutes. A red flag during the formation lap further disrupted proceedings before the race finally got underway at 4.33pm over a shortened 55-lap distance.
For the thousands of spectators who had waited years to see F1 machinery back at Sepang, however, the weather was simply part of the experience.
Fans armed with umbrellas and raincoats remained in the grandstands and hillside areas as they waited patiently for the action to begin, creating an atmosphere that reflected the excitement surrounding F1’s return to Malaysia.
Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was seen walking through the rain at the circuit before the race, with the wet conditions adding another memorable chapter to an already historic weekend.
Verstappen Keeps His Cool
Starting from pole, Verstappen maintained control of the race despite pressure from Antonelli and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
As the circuit gradually dried towards the closing stages, Antonelli began closing the gap, but Verstappen held firm to cross the finish line 2.307 seconds ahead of the young Italian.
Hamilton completed the podium in third, 4.919 seconds behind the winner.
The race also produced several notable retirements, with Mercedes driver George Russell forced to retire with six laps remaining because of a technical problem. Williams drivers Alexander Albon and Valtteri Bottas also failed to finish.
Charles Leclerc brought the second Ferrari home in fourth, followed by Isack Hadjar in fifth and Oscar Piastri in sixth. Reigning world champion Lando Norris finished ninth.
The victory lifted Verstappen to fourth in the drivers’ standings with 188 points, while Antonelli strengthened his championship lead with 320 points — 84 ahead of teammate Russell on 236.
Sepang Delivers the Atmosphere
Beyond the racing, the weekend was a major celebration of F1’s return to Malaysia.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was among those impressed by the reception from the crowd, praising the energy generated by the huge turnout.
The event also featured Bahraini cultural showcases, traditional performances, food and special pavilions, adding an international festival atmosphere around the racing action.
The return also brought together senior leaders from Malaysia, Bahrain and Brunei, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah among the dignitaries attending.
Could F1 Return Again?
With the engines now silent, the biggest question is whether this will be a one-off return or the beginning of another chapter for F1 at Sepang.
Malaysia previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before the race was dropped from the calendar because of the cost of organising it.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that discussions have already begun on the possibility of Malaysia returning to the F1 calendar as a regular host.
However, he stressed that the discussions remain at an early stage and that any decision would require careful consideration of both the national interest and the financial implications of hosting the world’s biggest motorsport championship.
Anwar also highlighted the close relationship between Malaysia and Bahrain, particularly between Sultan Ibrahim and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as an important factor behind Malaysia being selected to host the 2026 race.
Roadtrippers.asia Take: Sepang Was Alive Again
For Malaysian motorsport fans, this was more than just another race weekend.
It was nine years of waiting finally answered by the sound of V6 turbo-hybrid engines screaming down the Sepang straights.
There was everything fans could have asked for — a massive crowd, unpredictable tropical weather, soaked track conditions, wheel-to-wheel pressure, a Red Bull victory and a podium featuring Verstappen, Antonelli and Hamilton.
And the fans absolutely delivered.
From umbrellas and raincoats in the grandstands to thousands packing the hillsides, the message was pretty clear: Malaysia still has the appetite for F1.
The 261,000 weekend attendance record and the atmosphere around Sepang will inevitably fuel the debate over whether F1 should return permanently.
For now, though, Malaysian fans can simply enjoy the fact that after nine years, the roar is back at Sepang.
And judging by the reception, nobody seems ready to say goodbye again just yet.
- All photos are provided courtesy of Petronas Sepang International Circuit.
