What the drivers are expecting from F1's return to Sepang
Malaysia's Sepang circuit is making a one-off return to the Formula 1 calendar as a proxy host for the Bahrain Grand Prix, bringing challenges both familiar and new. The hot and humid conditions, along with the daily late-afternoon rain downpour, act as a Proustian madeleine for those with previous experience of this venue. For others – including most of the drivers on the grid – these are ...…
Sepang, October 1 — After nine years since his memorable Formula One victory at the Sepang International Circuit, Red Bull's Max Verstappen is set to make a return to the venue for the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The Dutch driver, who clinched his second career win at the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, admitted that the time away has made the track and associated surroundings unfamiliar. Verstappen told a press conference, "I walked into the paddock, and I had no idea where I had to go, so it’s been a long time."
Despite the unfamiliarity, Verstappen expressed his enjoyment of racing at Sepang, stating that the challenging nature of the circuit always made it a favorite for him. He explained, "I always enjoyed racing here because I think I really liked the track layout. It was not very straightforward because there was always high degradation, hot in general, so quite uncomfortable in a way, of course, to drive, physically."
The last driver to win an F1 race at Sepang was Verstappen himself, in 2017. His commanding drive for Red Bull Racing saw him complete the 5.543-kilometre circuit in 1:30:01.290, with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton finishing second and Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull taking the third position.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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