The F1 drivers are finally here for Sepang. The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia runs from 2 to 4 October, and it’s the first time F1 has raced at the circuit since 2017. With the whole grid in Kuala Lumpur, the drivers have spent the days before the weekend doing a lot more than simulator work and team briefings. Here’s what they got up to.
A Boys’ Trip to Langkawi
The biggest story of the week was a getaway to Langkawi, posted by Mercedes driver George Russell. He was joined by McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Williams duo Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Haas driver Oliver Bearman, all of whom flew in by private jet.
The group went island hopping, hiked up to waterfalls and played chess on the beach. Seven drivers from five teams, who will be fighting each other on track within days, spent the time together and relaxed. The trip also gave them a chance to get used to the Malaysian heat and humidity before the race weekend.
Demolition Derby on Wheels
The competition didn’t switch off in Langkawi. The group also held an intense demolition-derby-style go-kart race, narrated by Russell. It was contact-heavy, less a fair fight than a free-for-all, and a good way to keep race instincts sharp. Newly dubbed “G Dawg” explained that he managed to get a 1.5 second faster kart from the MORAC Langkawi team which irked the rest of the grid present. In relation to the carnage that unfolded, he explained how drivers like Bortoleto and Piastri ended up with bruises and nearly breaking their ribs, while Bearman put Roberto Mehri through a tire wall on track.
Kimi Antonelli’s Water Park Monday
Mercedes’ 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader, spent his Monday at Splashmania, the water park at Gamuda Cove near the Sepang circuit. It’s a short distance from the track he will be racing on, and he shared the outing with his followers. For a teenager leading the championship and under intense scrutiny, it was a good way to stay relaxed.
City Lights and a Twin Towers View
On Tuesday, Antonelli headed into Kuala Lumpur city center. He was spotted by fans at night and later had dinner at Marini’s on 57, a rooftop venue with a view of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Mercedes Takes Over the Petronas Twin Towers
Wednesday was Mercedes’ big public day. Russell and Antonelli, along with Team Principal Toto Wolff, spent the day at their title partners headquarters Petronas’ Twin Towers, taking in the view and surprising fans who were there. They then held a press conference and Q&A with a group of lucky fans.
A Night Under the Towers
The day ended at a fan event at the foot of the towers, attended by a large crowd. As night fell, the towers lit up with the Adidas, Petronas and Mercedes logos in the team’s green and silver colors, with fireworks in the background. Fans got to see the championship leader and his teammate up close, just before the first practice sessions on Friday.
Bottas Takes to the Trails
Not everyone spent the build-up in the city. On Wednesday, Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas, a former Mercedes driver, headed out for a ride on the dirt trails of Bukit Pelanduk and Sungai Pelek, not far from the Sepang circuit. Bottas is known for his love of cycling, and the trails were a quiet contrast to the crowds and fireworks happening in Kuala Lumpur that same day.
What’s Next
Practice begins on Friday, 2 October, with a third session and qualifying on Saturday, 3 October. The race itself is on Sunday, 4 October at 15:00 local time, over 56 laps. After a week like this, the drivers will be in a relaxed mood, but the points are still on the line.
