{
  "id": 9570461,
  "title": "Former F1 racer Alex Yoong moved to tears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/former-f1-racer-alex-yoong-moved-to-tears",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T14:51:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/esports/2026/09/1540420/former-f1-racer-alex-yoong-moved-tears"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Sepang, former Formula One racer Alex Yoong was visibly emotional as his protégé Taj Izrin Aiman won a gold medal in the Gran Turismo 7 event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Alex had been coaching Taj since April, and was moved to tears as Taj approached the gold, according to accounts at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Alex expressed his joy at seeing all their hard work pay off, stating that the victory demonstrated the impact of a focused preparation programme in Malaysian sim racing. He thanked the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Malaysia Esports Federation for their support in training the drivers, including at the National Sports Institute in Bukit Jalil. Alex noted that earlier in the year, many doubted Malaysia's chances against drivers from Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea, but Taj's progress became evident in the final weeks before the Games. The victory brought back memories of Alex's own losses, shaping his coaching approach to keep young drivers focused and positive, regardless of the outcome. Taj Izrin will receive a RM20,000 reward from the MESF for his gold medal win at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: Former Formula One driver Alex Yoong has known enough setbacks in motor racing to savour the moment his protege, Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, became an Asian Games champion.",
  "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."
}