F1 has returned to Malaysia, and the drivers are already making the most of their time here. The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 brings three days of racing and entertainment to Sepang International Circuit from October 2 to 4.
Before the engines roar at Sepang, some have squeezed in a little island downtime, a waterpark visit and even a spin at the petrol station in Malaysia. Race week is looking fun both on and off the track. Here’s what they have been up to before the race this weekend:
Langkawi ‘boys trip’, golf and go-karting
Alex Albon, Ollie Bearman, George Russell, Carlos Sainz, Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto were spotted golfing and go-karting in Langkawi before heading to Sepang. A round of golf sounds like a relaxed way to unwind; go-karting, on the other hand, is a handy reminder that these drivers probably can’t stay away from a racetrack for long.
Kimi Antonelli made a splash at Splashmania
Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli took a break at SplashMania WaterPark in Gamuda Cove. He shared a video from the visit and called it “pre-weekend shenanigans.” Even F1 drivers need a little fun before a big race weekend.
Fans spotted drivers at KLIA
Oscar Piastri and Antonelli were among the drivers spotted at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on September 28. Fans shared photos and videos as the pair stopped for pictures, while Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto was also reportedly seen at the airport. The arrivals gave Malaysian fans an early taste of the excitement ahead of the race.
Russell and Antonelli had a PETRONAS moment
Mercedes brought some local flavor to its social media, posting a video of Antonelli showing Russell how to fill up at a PETRONAS station. The team also scheduled a fan meet-and-greet at Plaza PETRONAS, KLCC, on September 30.
Valtteri Bottas explored by bike
Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas shared glimpses of his time in Malaysia, including a cycling ride past palm plantations as he adjusted to the local weather. He also posted from what fans identified as the Golden Palm Tree Sepang Resort.
With drivers popping up at airports, attractions and around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian fans have plenty to keep an eye out for.
F1 drivers racing at Sepang this weekend
Wondering who you’ll be cheering for at Sepang? The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia 2026 brings F1 back to the circuit for the first time since 2017.
F1’s current 2026 driver list features 22 drivers across 11 teams. Here’s who to look out for this weekend:
- McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
- Mercedes: George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
- Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
- Red Bull Racing: Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar
- Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad
- Williams: Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon
- Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
- Alpine: Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto
- Haas: Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman
- Audi: Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
- Cadillac: Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas
For Verstappen, Sepang comes with a bit of history: he won the last F1 race held here in 2017. Will he add another Sepang victory nine years later? Malaysian fans won’t have long to wait to find out.
Rev Up for F1 Weekend at Sepang
The F1 weekend at Sepang is set to bring three days of high-speed action, starting with practice on Friday. Here’s the schedule, in Malaysian time:
- Friday, October 2: Practice at 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 3: Final practice at 12:30 p.m.; qualifying at 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 4: Drivers’ parade at 1:00 p.m.; Grand Prix starts at 3:00 p.m.
Alongside the on-track action, the Sepang race weekend will feature live performances by Axwell and Martin Garrix. Axwell is scheduled to perform on Saturday, October 3, while Martin Garrix will take the stage after the Grand Prix on Sunday, October 4, adding music to the weekend’s racing and entertainment lineup.
See you guys in Sepang !
