{
  "id": 11076626,
  "title": "Fasten your seatbelts as Formula One revs back to Sepang",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/fasten-your-seatbelts-as-formula-one-revs-back-to-sepang",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T01:16:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1545131/fasten-your-seatbelts-formula-one-revs-back-sepang"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sepang, Malaysia's Formula One circuit, is set to host the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend after a nine-year absence. With only 10 out of 22 drivers having raced at the track previously, a significant knowledge gap exists for the returning teams. The 5.543-km circuit features long straights and high-speed corners, and is expected to be challenging with low grip levels on Friday, which will improve as the weekend progresses. The tropical climate and potential rainfall add further complexity, making tyre management crucial. Max Verstappen was the last driver to win at Sepang in 2017, while Pierre Gasly made his Formula One debut there in 2018. Drivers and teams are preparing extensively for the return of the circuit, with McLaren's Randy Singh emphasizing the importance of tuning and assessing the new car configuration and power units.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: 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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}