Alex Yoong Expects F1 Drivers to Master Sepang From First Lap

Posted : 01 October 2026

Malaysia’s former Formula One driver Alex Yoong believes the current generation of drivers will have little difficulty adapting to Sepang International Circuit when Formula One returns to the venue this weekend.

Sepang is hosting Formula One for the first time since 2017 as part of a one-off arrangement that sees the Bahrain Grand Prix relocated to Malaysia following the cancellation of the original race because of the conflict in the Middle East. More than half of the current grid have never raced at the circuit in an F1 car.

Yoong, who competed in Formula One with Minardi in 2001 and 2002, said modern drivers have access to extensive simulator technology that should allow them to learn the 5.543-kilometre circuit rapidly.

He expects the drivers unfamiliar with Sepang to be comfortable with the layout almost immediately, pointing out that professional racers today can use sophisticated simulation programmes to prepare for circuits they have never previously raced on.

Sepang features 15 corners, long straights and several high-speed sections. The circuit has also undergone upgrades and repairs ahead of this weekend's event, while its tropical conditions are expected to create additional challenges.

Yoong highlighted the combination of high-speed corners, long straights, heat and humidity as key factors. Tyre degradation could become particularly important because of the demanding nature of the circuit, while heavy rain remains a possibility in Malaysia.

Only 10 of the 22 drivers on the current F1 grid have previously competed at Sepang. Those with experience include Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz.

The absence of recent Formula One racing also means teams have limited reference data for the current generation of cars. Drivers and engineers have therefore relied heavily on simulator work before arriving at the circuit, while Friday's practice sessions will be important for understanding the resurfaced track and tyre behaviour.

Yoong also expects the unfamiliar setting to produce an unpredictable competitive picture. He believes Mercedes and McLaren could be closely matched at Sepang, although the former F1 driver stopped short of predicting which driver would win between Mercedes teammates Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

Antonelli heads into the weekend leading Russell by 66 points after finishing fifth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Russell won in Baku, reducing his teammate's championship advantage with eight race weekends remaining.

The return of Formula One is also a significant moment for Malaysia, with Yoong describing the opportunity to host the sport again as an important boost for the country. The Sepang race is scheduled for this weekend and will mark the circuit's first F1 event since Verstappen won the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Alex Yoong Expects F1 Drivers to Master Sepang From First Lap

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics