Bahrain GP in Malaysia: F1 fans complain of gridlocked traffic, over three-hour waits for shuttles

Bahrain GP fans in Malaysia have griped about traffic congestion, extensive shuttle bus queues, and shoddy crowd management at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) following the inaugural day of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Viewers on Malaysian social media platform X detailed gridlocked roads leading to the circuit, with private automobiles and e-hailing vehicles reportedly halted at the periphery to funnel spectators towards designated shuttle hubs at Mitsui Outlet Park and KLIA Terminal 2.

A British content creator based in Malaysia, Ryan Howlett, reported that he could only board a shuttle bus at 9pm after leaving Sepang at 5.45pm, describing the ordeal as "one of the craziest things" he's ever experienced. Other X users echoed his sentiments, calling the shuttle service and traffic management "horrendous" and lamenting poor organization.

Complaints arose despite extensive transport preparations, with Rapid KL asserting that 95 free shuttle buses would operate every 10 to 15 minutes from 7am to midnight from multiple locations, and KLIA warning of over 200,000 spectators anticipated over three days, advising attendees to rely on public transport due to limited parking and anticipated congestion.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was relocated to Sepang from October 2 to 4 after the original Bahrain race was cancelled, marking its return to the Malaysian circuit since 2017.