Sepang International Circuit
When people talk about Malaysia, the first things that often come to mind are our incredible food, beautiful beaches, rich culture and warm hospitality. But Malaysia is also home to some remarkable sporting venues, and among them, few are as iconic as the Sepang International Circuit. Located just outside Kuala Lumpur, the circuit was built in 1998 and officially opened on 9 March 1999. Sepang was created to put Malaysia on the international motorsport map. Its distinctive 5.543-kilometre layout, wide straights and challenging corners quickly made it one of the most recognisable circuits in the region. There is also a distinctly Malaysian character to the circuit. Its famous Hibiscus Tower, inspired by the hibiscus, Malaysia's national flower has become one of Sepang's most recognisable features, standing prominently within the circuit complex. Sepang's history has been closely tied to some of the biggest names in motorsport. The circuit hosted its first Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix in 1999 and went on to host 19 consecutive Grands Prix from 1999 to 2017. It also became a regular venue for MotoGP, continuing to attract some of the biggest names and most passionate fans in two-wheeled racing. For Malaysia, Sepang is also closely connected to PETRONAS, our national oil and gas company whose involvement in Formula 1 dates back to the very first Malaysian Grand Prix. PETRONAS became title sponsor of the Malaysian Grand Prix in 1999 and later entered its long-standing partnership with Mercedes, becoming the team's title partner and continuing as Mercedes-AMG's technical partner today. This connection has made Sepang particularly special for Malaysian Formula 1 fans. Over the years, the circuit has seen some of the sport's greatest names race on its tarmac - Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, among many others. Vettel holds the record for the most Malaysian Grand Prix victories, with four wins, while Schumacher holds the record for the most pole positions at Sepang. Hamilton also claimed victory here in 2014, and Alonso famously won from eighth on the grid in 2012. Sepang has therefore been part of some memorable chapters in Formula 1 history. It was a circuit where champions competed, where legendary drivers celebrated victories, and where generations of Malaysian fans experienced the excitement of seeing the world's best drivers race right here at home. But Sepang has never been only about racing. Over the years, the circuit has also hosted concerts, festivals and major entertainment events, bringing together people from different walks of life. It has become a venue not just for speed, but for experiences - a place where people gather, celebrate and create memories. And now, in 2026, Sepang is once again making headlines. After nine years away, Formula 1 returns to the circuit from 2 to 4 October 2026. The event is officially the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, as Sepang steps in to host the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix. While it is not officially a Malaysian Grand Prix, the return of Formula 1 to Malaysian soil marks a significant moment for Sepang and for fans who have been waiting since the circuit last hosted F1 in 2017 won by Max.
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