{
  "id": 15364388,
  "title": "Mercedes eyes Sepang return after ‘enthusiastic’ response in recent F1 Bahrain GP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/mercedes-eyes-sepang-return-after-enthusiastic-response-in-recent-f1-15364388",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T05:17:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/18/mercedes-eyes-sepang-return-after-enthusiastic-response-in-recent-f1-bahrain-gp"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver Kimi Antonelli shared his excitement about the potential return of Sepang International Circuit to the Formula One calendar, following an enthusiastic response from fans during a promotional event ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord highlighted Malaysia as a home race for the team, recalling the massive turnout at Petronas Twin Towers. Despite a disappointing result at the recent Bahrain GP, Lord expressed a strong desire to race at Sepang again and potentially ask for resurfacing of the circuit. Signify's CEO As Tempelman assured that technological constraints would not hinder a potential night race at Sepang, provided race organizers and authorities are on board. DZ Engineering's General Manager Roberto Grilli indicated interest in submitting a proposal for a night race, valuing the long-standing partnership with Signify. F1 is reportedly considering bids from several Asian countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea, marking the first time Asia would surpass Europe in the number of races. Lord welcomed the possibility of Thailand joining the F1 calendar but acknowledged the significant commitment required. He also expressed support for F1 returning to India, where the Buddh International Circuit near New Delhi is set to host the event in 2028.",
  "summary": "Its deputy team principal Bradley Lord cites the response at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur from thousands of F1 fans ahead of the recent race.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Business : Mercedes Eyes Sepang Return, Signify Readiness To Support Potential Night Race",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/business-mercedes-eyes-sepang-return-signify-readiness-to-support",
        "published": "2026-10-18T02:02:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Mercedes eyes Sepang return after ‘enthusiastic’ response in recent F1 Bahrain GP",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/mercedes-eyes-sepang-return-after-enthusiastic-response-in-recent-f1",
        "published": "2026-10-18T05:17:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}