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Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have shared their excitement about finally racing at the Sepang International Circuit after Malaysia was confirmed as a surprise addition to this year's Formula 1 calendar
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Sunday, 26 July, that Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang later this year, marking the sport's return to the country for the first time since 2017.
Following the announcement, Russell said he was especially excited because Sepang has long been one of his favourite circuits, despite never having driven there in real life
"To have a race in Malaysia, Sepang, would be so, so cool. Sepang was actually my favourite track as a kid when I used to play it on the F1 game.
"I've never driven there, but I feel like I know it really well because I drove it so often, so that would be really cool. And obviously home of PETRONAS as well, so, yeah, that'll be awesome," he said in a video shared on the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team's Instagram account following the announcement.
The team captioned the post: "Sepang hype starts right now."
Antonelli was equally thrilled, saying the race would be extra meaningful because Malaysia is home to the team's title sponsor, PETRONAS
"Oh, Sepang is back. That's actually proper PETRONAS home race. That's cool. I mean, also, it's a really cool track, Sepang. So I think it's gonna be sick," he said.
The Italian driver added that, like Russell, he has only experienced the circuit virtually and is looking forward to driving it for the first time.
Earlier on Sunday, Formula 1 confirmed that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix following an agreement between Formula 1, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.
The race weekend will take place at the Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October, with the event officially titled the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
