PETALING JAYA: For young Malaysians who have watched Formula 1 races on television since Malaysia dropped off the F1 calendar, the sport’s return to Sepang offers a chance to experience it up close.
Among them is 26-year-old Cassandra Cletes Francis, who has been an F1 fan since age seven.
The opportunity was one she was determined not to miss, even if it meant braving the weather and spending RM635 on a ticket.
The content executive said she was heartbroken when the Malaysian Grand Prix disappeared from the calendar after its last race in 2017.
With F1 now back at Sepang International Circuit, where it is hosting the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix, she was determined to be there.
“I do not want to miss it, especially when it’s on our very own home ground,” she said.
Cassandra said she was also looking forward to seeing how a new generation of drivers fare against the seasoned racers she had followed over the years.
With an open-area ticket, she said she was ready to face whatever weather came her way.
“I’ve come prepared with an umbrella, food, drinks and necessities – ready for whatever the weather throws at us, rain or shine,” she said.
For writer Nadhirah Mohd, 24, one of the biggest attractions is seeing Mercedes’ 20-year-old Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli make his Sepang debut.
“At the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, an 18-year-old Max Verstappen won the race. This time it’s Kimi Antonelli, and it will be fascinating to see if history repeats itself,” said Nadhirah, who bought Hillstand B tickets with her friends.
Law student Zechariah Bernard, 22, said his love for F1 also dates back to childhood.
He said he is fortunate to have an uncle who shares his passion for the sport and has sponsored his tickets, including for this week’s race.
He said he hoped F1’s return to Sepang would lead to a longer-term revival of the event in Malaysia, pointing to the revenue it can generate for the country.
He said he was also keen to see the latest generation of F1 hybrid power units in action.
Site supervisor Jordan Chong, 32, was also determined not to miss the chance to see Antonelli race in person.
“We have all the big names here and among them is Kimi. It’s almost surreal to think that what happened nine years ago could repeat itself, with the rising star causing an upset.
“I’ve been following the sport for a few years, so being able to see the cars in person, hear the engines and experience the atmosphere is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
To experience his first live F1 race, 21-year-old college student Reuben James Xavier David spent RM2,000 on a discounted three-day Main Grandstand pass.
After Friday’s practice sessions, he said the experience had made the investment worthwhile.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said.
