Formula 1 returns to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit this weekend. The 2026 Grand Prix takes place over 2–4 October, bringing three days of practice, qualifying, and race action to the circuit south of Kuala Lumpur for the first time in nearly a decade.
The Circuit
Sepang International Circuit opened in 1999 and hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix continuously until 2017, when the race was dropped from the calendar following disputes over hosting fees. The 5.5 km track runs through low-lying terrain at the edge of the Klang Valley and is known for its mix of long straights and complex technical sections, particularly the sweeping corners at the start of the second sector.
The circuit sits approximately 60 km from Kuala Lumpur city centre, near the international airport. KLIA Transit trains from KL Sentral serve KLIA station, which is a short taxi or shuttle ride from the circuit gates.
Attending the Race
Grandstand tickets are on sale through the Sepang International Circuit website and through authorised resellers. General admission tickets provide access to the infield, where crowds typically gather at the fast corners on the back straight. Grandstand seats in the main straight provide views of the start-finish line and pit lane activity.
Be prepared for Malaysia’s climate: October sits within the transition into the northeast monsoon, and afternoon thunderstorms are possible each day. Most grandstands are covered; infield areas are not. Rain gear is essential.
Staying Near the Circuit
The circuit is accessible as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur on race weekend, but traffic on race day is significant. Staying in the Sepang and Salak Tinggi areas overnight removes the commute. Several hotels within a few kilometres of the circuit cater specifically to race weekend visitors; book as soon as possible as rooms close to the venue are already limited.
For visitors using the race as an anchor point for a broader Malaysia trip, our best tours in Kuala Lumpur guide covers the city’s main attractions, food districts, and transport options. For flights into Malaysia or connections from elsewhere in the region, our Malaysia flights guide covers routing options and which airports serve which parts of the country.
The last Grand Prix at Sepang drew around 130,000 attendees over the race weekend. With the circuit returning after a long absence, demand for this edition is high.