Moments That Made Sepang One Of Formula 1’s Most Iconic Circuits

From Schumacher’s comeback to Vettel’s infamous “Multi 21” controversy, these are the unforgettable moments that defined Formula 1’s 19-year history at the SIC.

In Brief

Sepang's 1999 debut was packed with drama, from Schumacher's sensational return to Ferrari's disqualification and subsequent appeal victory.
The 2013 "Multi 21" incident, where Vettel defied team orders to overtake Webber, became one of F1's most infamous moments.
After nine years away, Formula 1 returns to Sepang in October 2026, hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix due to regional conflict.

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

Formula 1 is finally coming home to Sepang.

Nine years after the Malaysian Grand Prix disappeared from the Formula 1 calendar, the world’s fastest racing series is making an unexpected return to the Sepang International Circuit.

It is not a permanent return, instead Malaysia will be hosting the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix after the original race in Bahrain was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East. The race is scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 October 2026, marking Formula 1’s first return to Malaysia since 2017.

Between 1999 and 2017, Sepang built a reputation as one of Formula 1’s greatest modern circuits. Its blistering heat, tropical downpours and flowing layout produced some of the sport’s most memorable races.

Here are moments every Malaysian F1 fan might remember.

Formula 1 Arrives In Malaysia (1999)

Michael Schumacer on the podium, with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohd. Image: Formula 1

The inaugural Malaysian Grand Prix immediately became one of the biggest talking points of the season.

Fresh from recovering from a broken leg, Michael Schumacher returned to Formula 1 in sensational fashion by taking pole position by more than a second.

Although he eventually let Ferrari teammate Eddie Irvine take the win to aid his championship bid, Sepang instantly established itself as a circuit capable of producing drama from day one.

However, the celebrations from the first Malaysian Grand Prix didn’t last long.

Ferrari was initially disqualified after race stewards ruled its bargeboards (a piece on the race car’s bodywork) were illegal, handing the championship advantage to Mika Häkkinen. The decision was later overturned on appeal, restoring Ferrari’s one-two finish and ensuring the title fight went all the way to the final race.

That’s a lot of drama for Malaysia’s F1 debut!

Kimi Räikkönen bursts into the scene

Kimi Räikkönen in the 2003 F1 season. Image: Facebook | Kimi Räikkönen #bwoah

Kimi Räikkönen won the 2003 Malaysian Grand Prix on 23 March, 2003, securing his first-ever Formula 1 career victory driving the MP4-17D for McLaren-Mercedes. He started from seventh on the grid and finished nearly 40 seconds ahead of the rest of the field.

Nicknamed “the Iceman”, Räikkönen won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 2007 with Ferrari, and won 21 Grands Prix across 19 seasons.

Now 46 years old, the Finnish racer retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season to focus on family life and support his son Robin’s karting career.

When the skies rained on the F1 parade (2009)

Only in Malaysia can a Formula 1 race be stopped mid-way due to a flooded track. Image: Facebook | F1

The 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix produced one of Formula 1’s most unforgettable weather moments. What began as another hot afternoon quickly turned into a tropical monsoon, with rain so heavy that parts of the circuit were flooded and visibility became almost nonexistent.

The race was red-flagged after 31 laps and, with daylight fading, officials abandoned it altogether.

For the first time in nearly two decades, only half championship points were awarded — a reminder that at Sepang, Mother Nature could be the biggest opponent of them all.

Vettel ignores team orders in “Multi 21” (2013)

A fierce F1 team rivalry unfolded at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix between Mark Webber (left) and Sebastian Vettel (right). Image: Fox Sports

Perhaps no Malaysian Grand Prix is remembered more than 2013.

Red Bull instructed Sebastian Vettel to hold position behind teammate Mark Webber using the coded message “Multi 21”.

Vettel ignored the order, overtook Webber and won the race, creating one of Formula 1’s most infamous teammate rivalries.

The phrase “Multi 21” has since become part of Formula 1 folklore.

Verstappen becomes Formula 1’s newest star (2017)

Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium at the Formula One World Championship, Malaysian Grand Prix, on 1 October 2017. Image: F1 | Manuel Goria

The final Formula 1 race at Sepang also marked the arrival of a future champion.

Max Verstappen celebrated his 20th birthday weekend by overtaking Lewis Hamilton and claiming victory, reminding everyone why he was considered one of the brightest talents in motorsport.

It would also become the final Formula 1 winner’s trophy ever handed out at Sepang at least for the next nine years.

Some of the biggest global names came to the Sepang F1 Circuit during its peak

Sherlock and Dr. Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch was a paddock guest during the 2014 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Quite a few high-profile celebrities, athletes and entertainers have attended the Malaysian Grand Prix over the years, either as paddock guests, race ambassadors or performers.

For example, Sherlock and Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch was spotted in the Fomula 1 paddock during the 2014 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, international acts like Usher, Calvin Harris, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and even Guns N’ Roses rocked Sepang over various years when the track hosted races.

The annual Grand Prix Gala Night also welcomed famous names over the years, including The Jacksons, Lionel Richie, Natalie Cole and jazz singer Diana Krall.

Formula 1 returns to Sepang after nine years

Just when fans thought Formula 1 had left Malaysia for good, Sepang is back.

The circuit will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from 2 to 4 October, filling the gap left after Bahrain’s race was cancelled earlier this year due to conflict in the region.

While it won’t officially be called the Malaysian Grand Prix, it marks Formula 1’s long-awaited return to Malaysian soil after a nine-year absence.

For many Malaysians, Sepang represents more than just another Formula 1 circuit. It was where generations of fans watched legends like Schumacher, Alonso, Hamilton, Vettel and Verstappen race under the sweltering tropical sun.

Now, after nearly a decade away, the unmistakable sound of Formula 1 engines will once again echo through Sepang.

Whether this is a one-off appearance or the beginning of a permanent comeback remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Formula 1 has never really left the hearts of Malaysian fans.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, X, Instagram, or Threads.

Shahril Bahrom

Shahril Bahrom is a Malaysian digital journalist known for his work with The Rakyat Post and World Of Buzz, covering social issues, technology, pop culture, and viral online trends. His writing combines accessible storytelling with strong awareness of Malaysian internet culture, often focusing on topics that resonate across social media and public discourse. Known for a conversational yet informative style, he specialises in digital-first journalism, human-interest stories, and trend-driven reporting that bridges mainstream news with contemporary online conversations.