As Formula 1 returns to Sepang Circuit this weekend, fans are treated to a nostalgic trip to one of their favorite tracks. Malaysia rejoins the calendar after a hiatus since 2017, stepping in for the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix due to the Middle East crisis. The Hermann Tilke-designed circuit has always promised drama, especially with its unpredictable tropical weather.
Over 18 years of hosting, Malaysia has produced several legendary races. Here are five of the best.
5. 1999: Ferrari Wins in Court, Schumacher Stuns
Sepang first hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix in 1999, as the season finale. Michael Schumacher returned from a leg injury and took pole. He then let Eddie Irvine win, but both Ferraris were disqualified for bargeboard irregularities. Ferrari appealed and won, setting up a title decider in Japan, where Mika Hakkinen emerged champion.
4. 2001: Heavy Rain and Chaos
The first wet race at Sepang occurred in 2001. Torrential rain caused both Ferraris of Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello to slide into the gravel. This opened the door for others, and Schumacher eventually won after the race was stopped and restarted. The race is also remembered for a massive crash between Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa early on.
3. 2009: Brawn GP and Button's Win
The 2009 season was a fairy tale for Brawn GP. Jenson Button won the rain-shortened race, which awarded half points. It was Brawn's second win in two races, marking a remarkable comeback for a team that nearly didn't make the grid. The race also saw a solid performance from Nick Heidfeld, who finished second.
2. 2012: Alonso Wins Amid Rain and Controversy
The 2012 race was marked by heavy rain and a collision between Sergio Perez and Pastor Maldonado. Fernando Alonso capitalized on the conditions to win, while Perez finished second after challenging Alonso. The race also saw controversy when Narain Karthikeyan was deemed to have impeded Sebastian Vettel, resulting in a penalty.
1. 2013: Vettel's First Malaysian Win
The 2013 race was perhaps the most controversial. Sebastian Vettel ignored team orders to stay behind Mark Webber and overtook his teammate to win. The incident caused tension within the Red Bull team. The race also featured rain and several incidents, including a collision between Fernando Alonso and Vettel that damaged Alonso's front wing.
These five races demonstrate why Sepang is always eagerly anticipated. Its challenging layout, unpredictable weather, and dramatic moments make it one of the best circuits on the F1 calendar. Now, as Malaysia returns, fans hope for more memorable moments.
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The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 runs from October 2-4, with Practice, Qualifying and Race times listed for Malaysia, UK and US fans.
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