Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) on scoring points in Sepang: “I think we can do it”

Formula 1 returns to a familiar venue this race weekend: the circuit in Sepang, Malaysia, has been slotted into the 2026 calendar and is hosting this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Formula 1 last raced in Malaysia in 2017 – so the F1 veterans are familiar with the circuit. Among the ten drivers who have previously raced in Sepang is Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg. The German is looking forward to the race weekend, as he has fond memories of Sepang. Hülkenberg: “I’m delighted to be back here. I scored my first F1 points here in 2010.”

This year, however, the circuit looks a little different. This is partly because it isn’t the Malaysian Grand Prix, but the Bahrain Grand Prix. Due to the situation in the Middle East, the April event had to be cancelled; the Bahrain Grand Prix is now being rescheduled to take place in Malaysia. To make up for this, the organisers in Bahrain have flown many staff members and all sorts of supporting personnel to Kuala Lumpur. Hülkenberg: “There’s a Bahraini feel here in the paddock, with the furnishings and the staff.”

Hülkenberg on Sepang

And what sort of race is the Audi driver expecting? “It’s a technical, flowing circuit with medium to high speeds, but also a few low-speed sections. Of course, it’s hot. Tyre wear will play a part. I think the tarmac is also quite uneven and demanding. On Sunday, that will definitely be a factor and have an impact. And, of course, the weather – there can always be the odd monsoon shower, which can build up quite quickly here. It’ll be physically demanding, but doable.”

In Azerbaijan, Hülkenberg lost 10th place in the final kilometres of the race, eventually finishing 11th and narrowly missing out on points. The German is hoping to score points this weekend.

Points on the cards?

Asked about the chances of scoring points this weekend in Malaysia, Hülkenberg said: “I think we can do it. We’ll obviously have to do a good job and can’t afford to make any mistakes. I believe we can get even more performance out of the update.”

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It was already fitted to the car in Azerbaijan; Audi brought new parts for a total of 14 areas. Hülkenberg: “In Baku, it felt like a clear step forward in the corners. In Baku, our problems were more on the straights and with straight-line speed, which is of course quite crucial there. Here and at the next few races, it’s a bit different. So I’m optimistic that we can be competitive and get back into the points.” A week after Malaysia, the race will take place in Singapore.