Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia: 10 drivers are familiar with the Sepang International Circuit

Due to the unpredictable nature of the Middle East conflict, Formula 1 was forced to take action to ensure that a Bahrain Grand Prix could still be staged in 2026 – and has taken a surprising approach to do so. The race will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia!

The SIC hosted Formula 1 19 times, from 1999 to 2017. Then the organisers could no longer afford the Formula 1 entry fee. That won’t be a problem in 2026: the Bahrainis are footing the bill.

Although the last World Championship race at the SIC – for the time being, at least – took place nine years ago, 10 of the 22 drivers on the starting grid have previously competed in a Grand Prix at the Malaysian circuit.

Fernando Alonso – 15 Malaysian Grands Prix (2001 to 2017), best result: winner in 2005 with Renault, in 2007 with McLaren and in 2012 with Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton – 11 Malaysian Grands Prix (2007 to 2017), best result: winner in 2014 with Mercedes

Nico Hülkenberg – 7 Malaysian Grands Prix (2010 to 2017), best result: 5th in 2014 with Force India

Sergio Pérez – 6 Malaysian Grands Prix (2011 to 2017), best result: 2nd in 2012 with Sauber

Valtteri Bottas – 5 Malaysian Grands Prix (2013 to 2017), best result: 5th in 2015, 2016 and 2017 with Williams and Mercedes

Max Verstappen – 3 Malaysian Grands Prix (2015 to 2017), best result: winner in 2017 with Red Bull Racing

Carlos Sainz – 3 Malaysian Grands Prix (2015 to 2017), best result: 8th in 2015 with Toro Rosso

Esteban Ocon – 2 Malaysian Grands Prix (2016/2017), best result: 10th in 2017 with Force India

Lance Stroll – 1 Malaysian Grand Prix (2017), best result: 8th place with Williams

Pierre Gasly – 1 Malaysian Grand Prix (2017), best result: 14th with Toro Rosso