After nine years, Formula 1 made its return to Malaysia and the celebrations went beyond the racetrack! Heineken Malaysia brought together racing fans and music lovers for a weekend of entertainment, featuring performances by international DJs Axwell and Martin Garrix.
Held at Sepang International Circuit from 3rd to 4th October 2026, the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 saw Heineken celebrate the occasion through its global campaign, “Fans Have More Friends.”
From F1 watch parties to live music performances, the weekend was all about bringing people together through their shared love for racing and music.
F1 Returns To Malaysia After Nine Years
Formula 1’s return to Malaysia marked an exciting moment for local motorsport fans, who had waited nine years to experience the racing action again.
As a Global Partner of Formula 1 since 2016, Heineken joined the celebrations by introducing several F1-themed experiences both at the circuit and beyond.
The activities were part of Heineken’s Fans Have More Friends platform, which celebrates how shared interest can bring people together in real life.
Throughout the race weekend, selected bars also hosted F1 watch parties, allowing fans to enjoy the racing action together, with Heineken supporting participating venues.
Axwell And Martin Garrix Bring The Music To Sepang
While the racing action kept fans entertained during the day, the weekend also featured two major names from the electronic dance music scene.
Axwell took the stage on 3rd October, Saturday, bringing his music to the Sepang crowd. The celebrations continued on 4th October, Sunday, with a performance by Martin Garrix, giving music lovers another reason to be part of the race weekend.
The two performances brought together F1 enthusiasts and music fans, showing how different interests can create shared experiences.
Through these activities, Heineken aimed to create opportunities for fans to meet, connect, and celebrate the things they enjoy.
Bringing Fans Together Beyond The Racetrack
Speaking about the celebrations, Sean O’Donnell, Marketing Director of HEINEKEN Malaysia, described Formula 1’s return as an important moment for Malaysian fans.
He shared that bringing racing and music together made the weekend even more special, reflecting the idea behind the Fans Have More Friends campaign.
The platform focuses on the simple idea that people can build connections through shared interest, whether its Formula 1, football or music.
Beyond the entertainment, Heineken also highlighted the importance of responsible consumption during race weekend.
The brand supported initiatives aimed at encouraging safer journeys to and from race-related activities, while continuing to promote its message, “When You Drive, Never Drink.”
A Weekend Of Racing, Music And Shared Experiences
With Formula 1 returning after nearly a decade, performances by Axwell and Martin Garrix, and watch parties bringing fans together, the weekend offered more than just racing.
For Heineken, the celebrations were another opportunity to show how sports and music can bring different communities together through shared experiences. For updates on upcoming Heineken experiences in Malaysia, follow Heineken on Instagram.
All Heineken promotions and campaign events are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above, and are subject to terms and conditions. Enjoy responsibly. When you drive, never drink.
