High-octane thrills on the tarmac

F1 fans arriving on the third and final day of the GP in SIC.

AFTER a nine-year absence, the Formula 1 Grand Prix made a sensational return to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit (SIC), with the Bahrain Grand Prix delivering high octane spectacle and plenty of drama.

F1 fans watching the third practice session of the Formula 1 on Oct 3.

The iconic track echoed once more with the deafening roar of engines operating at full throttle.

Track marshals running for shelter after a downpour before the start of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit.

A heavy downpour threatened to derail the race, yet the unpredictable conditions served only to amplify the thrill.

Over 100,000 fans attended the final day of the GP.

Drivers pushed their machines to the absolute limit across Sepang’s sweeping, technical curves.

Verstappen holding his trophy in jubilation.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen of the Netherlands mastered the chaos to claim a thrilling victory, holding off title contender Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes in a grandstand finish.

Verstappen celebrating on the podium flanked by Antonelli (left) and Hamilton after winning the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit.

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton rounded out the podium in third place, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final wave of the chequered flag on Oct 4.

The rough tarmac and challenging conditions proved to be a boon for Verstappen.

For the thousands of passionate fans filling the grandstands, the F1 GP marked a triumphant return, proving SIC remains one of motorsport’s most celebrated modern venues.

Marshals drying the track after a downpour which delayed the start of the race at SIC.

Motorsports Association of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir said SIC was ready for another F1 race and hoped Malaysia would return as a host in its own right.

Hamilton during the qualifying round on Oct 3.