Malaysian GP return – Unlike the middle eastern countries which now collectively form just under 20% of the F1 calendar, Malaysia has a rich history in motorsport. Much of the racing, motorcycles and formula libre was held at the Thompson Road Circuit in Singapore before its bid for independence in 1965.
Following independence, Malaysia then hosted a variety of racing series at the Shah Alam circuit between 1968 and 1995 including Tasman Formula, Formula Atlantic, Formula Two and Formula Pacific.
Then as part of a series of major infrastructure projects in the 1990’states, the Sepang International Circuit was built close to Putrajaya the newly founded administrative capital of the country with a view to hosting Formula One.
The inaugural Grand Prix in Sepang was held in 1999 was was the race which saw the return of Michael Schumacher after he had sustained a broken leg at the British Grand Prix. The circuit became a favourite with the drivers but also become renown for its unpredictable humid weather which ranged from sweltering heat to tropical rainstorms.
The drivers loved and hated the circuit with equal measure but its layout facilitated multiple racing lines and less of a dependence on DRS. Sebastian Vettel said of Sepang, “I love this track. It’s one of the best we go to” a sentiment echoed by Fernando Alonso: “Sepang is a proper driver’s circuit.”
The Malaysian Grand Prix was often a matter of endurance for the drivers and as Jenson Button revealed “It’s the hardest race physically. You finish completely empty.” Nico Rosberg complimented the sentiment stating: “You feel like your body is melting in the car.”
Sepang is remembered with fondness by F1 fans for a number of epic moments which started from day one in 1999 when Michael Schumacher delivered a driving masterclass in torrential rain to finish 23 seconds ahead of the field. Ferrari finished 1-2 and were then disqualified before being reinstated 24 hours later. Classic Sepang.
The 2003 Malaysian GP saw Kimi Raikkonen’s maiden F1 victory then in 2009 storms interrupted the race for hours, kimi ate ice cream and the race had to be abandoned because it was too dark to complete.
Whilst there are too many highlight moments to share Sepang will forever be remembered for the Red Bull “multi-21” implosion in 2013. Mark Webber was leading the race after the final round of pit stops with Seb Vettel behind him. As was the team’s strategy at the time, both drivers were instructed to hold station to the end of the racer and turn down their engine modes.
Vettel decided to do otherwise. He turned up his engine and launched an attack on his team mate. The thrilling battle continued for almost a lap almost colliding at 300kph at turn 4. Vettel finally came out ahead of his team mate who lambasted him before the post race celebrations in the cool down room. “Multi-21 Seb – Multi-21???”
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Sebastian’s classic clipped German response was “I was faster, I was racing.” Multi-21 is now part of F1 folklore and is shorthand for disobeying team orders. Yet it represented the only real era where Reed Bull had two drivers of a similar standard. Of course Vettel went on to become a quadruple world champion but Webber was in pole position alongside Fernando Alonso to win the first of those in 2010.
In April 2017 it was announced that that season’s Malaysian Grand Prix would be the last despite the promotors having a contract until the following year. Its future had been under threat for some time with rising hosting fees and declining attendance.
Malaysia’s youth and sports minister at the time Khairy Jamaluddin said on Twitter: “I think we should stop hosting the F1. At least for a while. Cost too high, returns limited. When we first hosted the F1 it was a big deal. First in Asia outside Japan. Now so many venues. No first mover advantage. Not a novelty.” In reality, Malaysia had struggled when compared to its more glamorous neighbour’s night time event just a few hundred miles away in Singapore.
Now with spaces opening up on the F1 calendar in 2027 as Zandvoort will exit from the annual schedule and Spa in Belgium will rotate bi-annually, Sepang’s CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif is hoping for a return of F1 to his country.
“I’m pretty sure Formula 1 will come back someday,” he told Autosport. Yet there is the small matter of a $70m hosting fee which Liberty Media are demanding. “I think the government’s effort right now is solely focusing on what the public needs rather than spending millions of dollars and ringgit to pay for Formula 1,” admitted Hanif.
“But I do believe with the right support from corporate in the future and so on, maybe we can bring it back. But at the moment, it’s a no for us. But I do hope Formula 1 comes back one day. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible,” continued Shafriman when asked about Sepang hosting a race without government funding.
“We just need to find the right partner to come in. But of course, when they pay high money, assets and so on, what do they get back in return? Those are the things that we need to consider, and we need to discuss further. But then again, if ever Formula 1 were to come back, we are ready to host. And hopefully, the government won’t be burdened by the rights fee.”
There will be stiff competition for the new slots opening up on the calendar with Thailand almost completing a part street track/ part road course circuit in Hanoi. However charges of corruption have halted the progress of the bid which has a $1.2bn fund set aside for F1 to race in the country for a decade.
Argentina are looking for corporate support for a return of the once iconic Argentinian Grand Prix. Rwanda claim to be on with a radical circuit design to become the host of a sole race in Africa. It will be fours years since the last new F1 venue – Las Vegas – by the time F1 goes racing in Madrid net autumn.
This author was at the site of the road course section of the new circuit just three weeks ago, and whilst the site has been cleared there’s little evidence today of any of the infrastructure, pit lanes or asphalt having been laid.
Pirelli admit to being conservative with 2026 F1 tyres
Whilst the Formula One teams are battling with the biggest ever change to the technical regulations for 2026, Pirelli too is having to make tough decisions on the appropriate turn compounds required for the new generation of cars and powertrains.
The broad plan within the new design rules is to reduce the current levels of downforce by around 25%. This means the current aero ‘monsters’ will be banished and the teams must improve the mechanical grip on their cars with improved braking systems to ensure the rotation of the car is delivered following the entry page into the turns.
This was why Ferrari opted to scrap their almost title winning car from 2024, switching their front suspensions layout from push rod to pull rod. It has not proven to be a particularly successful change. Red Bull too have continued the development of their RB21 late in the year in an effort to improve the correlation between the drawing board and what finally appears on the car several weeks later…. READ MORE
A.J. Hunt is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Andrew oversees editorial standards and contributes to the site’s Formula 1 coverage. A career journalist with experience in both print and digital sports media, Andrew trained in investigative journalism and has written for a range of European sports outlets.
At TJ13, Andrew plays a central role in shaping the site’s output, working across breaking news, analysis, and long-form features. Andrew’s responsibilities include fact-checking, refining editorial structure, and ensuring consistency in reporting across a fast-moving news cycle.
Andrew’s work focuses particularly on the intersection of Formula 1 politics, regulation, and team strategy. Andrew closely follows developments involving the FIA, team leadership, and driver market dynamics, helping to provide context behind the sport’s biggest stories.
With experience covering multiple seasons of Formula 1’s modern hybrid era, Andrew has developed a detailed understanding of how regulatory changes and competitive shifts influence the grid. Andrew’s editorial approach prioritises clarity and context, aiming to help readers navigate complex developments within the sport.
In addition to editorial duties, Andrew is particularly interested in how media narratives shape fan perception of Formula 1, and how reporting can balance speed with accuracy in an increasingly digital news environment.
