Carlos Sainz and F1 return to Malaysia nine years later

• Carlos Sainz returns this weekend to Sepang, which has not been part of the Formula 1 calendar since 2017. It serves as a replacement of the Bahrain GP due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
• The Williams driver raced three times in Malaysia in his early years, when he was driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso. His best result was an eighth place in his maiden season, in what was barely his second race in the series.
• The weather forecast suggests there could be rain on Friday and clouds the rest of the weekend, although the unpredictability of the area will mean everyone will keep a watching eye on the sky all the time.

COMING UP:

Friday, 2 October 2026:

• Free Practice 1: 12:30 local time (06:30 CEST)
• Free Practice 2: 16:00 local time (10:00 CEST)