Half of F1 grid faces unknown as Sepang returns after nine-year absence

SEPANG, Malaysia, Sept 30 : Formula One is heading back to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit after a nine-year hiatus this weekend, with more than half the drivers on the grid unfamiliar with a track that is hosting the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix.

After making its first appearance on the calendar in 1999, Sepang has not hosted a Formula One race since 2017 after the Malaysian government said it could no longer justify the costs given the declining returns.

But it is making its Formula One comeback after owners Liberty Media said it would host the "Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia", relocating the race from Sakhir due to the Iran war and the situation in the Middle East.

The 5.543-km long circuit combines long straights with several high-speed corners, with the 2026 race set to be held over 56 laps.

Only 10 of the 22 drivers have previously raced in Malaysia, leaving world champion Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri among those who will be learning the track for the first time.

"We have prepared extensively in the simulator, including giving Lando and Oscar time to learn the circuit," McLaren racing director Randy Singh said.

"But there can be uncertainty around the accuracy of circuit models and our understanding of the tarmac, which will be an important factor in tyre behaviour.

"Friday will therefore be especially valuable as the drivers tune themselves into the circuit and we work through the best set-up and car configuration, understand the tyres, and assess overtaking and racing with the new cars and power units."

KNOWLEDGE GAP

The knowledge gap extends beyond individual drivers to entire teams, with no outfit holding meaningful reference data from the current generation of Formula One cars