Formula 1 returns to Sepang nine years after Verstappen’s birthday triumph
A very different Formula 1 returns to Sepang
Formula 1 is heading back to Sepang this week for the first time in nine years, with the Malaysian circuit set to host the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The return offers a striking reminder of how much the sport—and the world around it—has changed since the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.
Lewis Hamilton arrived at Sepang in 2017 leading Sebastian Vettel by 28 points with six races remaining. The title battle had swung in Hamilton’s favour at the previous round in Singapore, where Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen were caught in a first-lap collision while Hamilton went on to win.
The grid itself looked markedly different. Max Verstappen was partnered by Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen formed Ferrari’s line-up, and Fernando Alonso raced alongside Stoffel Vandoorne at McLaren. Carlos Sainz was driving for Toro Rosso, while Pierre Gasly made his Formula 1 debut that weekend. Charles Leclerc also appeared in first practice for Sauber, months before making his Grand Prix debut.
Verstappen marks his 20th birthday with victory
Max Verstappen turned 20 on the Saturday of the race weekend and celebrated in the best possible fashion the following day. He passed Lewis Hamilton to claim the second victory of his career, with Hamilton finishing second and Daniel Ricciardo third. Sebastian Vettel recovered from the back of the grid to finish fourth.
Hamilton’s championship lead increased to 34 points after Malaysia, and he went on to secure his fourth Drivers’ Championship later that year.
A snapshot of 2017 culture
The 2017 weekend also belonged to a very different pop-culture moment. Dua Lipa’s New Rules was climbing the charts, while Sam Smith’s Too Good at Goodbyes topped the UK singles chart. Post Malone and 21 Savage’s rockstar followed, with Camila Cabello and Young Thug’s Havana also near the top.
Harry Styles had released his first solo album, Taylor Swift was beginning her Reputation era, and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s Despacito remained one of the year’s defining global hits. The Sepang weekend itself featured the F1NALE Concert, with performances from Malaysian artists including M. Nasir, Jaclyn Victor and Akim & The Majistret.
At the cinema, Kingsman: The Golden Circle led the UK box office, with IT in second place. Wonder Woman, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Baby Driver, Dunkirk and Get Out were among the other major films of the year. On television, Stranger Things had only one season available and Game of Thrones had just completed its seventh season.
Sport, technology and fashion have moved on
Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga in 2017, while Cristiano Ronaldo claimed his fifth Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Men’s Player award. The Netherlands won the Women’s Euros, with Vivianne Miedema scoring twice in the final against Denmark.
Roger Federer won the Australian Open and Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal captured a record tenth French Open title, and Serena Williams claimed her 23rd Grand Slam crown. Usain Bolt’s competitive career ended at the World Championships in London, while Sergio Garcia won his first major at the Masters.
Technology was also at a turning point. Apple launched the iPhone X, Tesla’s Model 3 demand overwhelmed supply, the Nintendo Switch arrived, and consumer drones helped popularise aerial videos. Meanwhile, Vine had officially shut down earlier in the year.
Fashion saw Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty praised for its inclusive range of 40 foundation shades, while Crocs began their unlikely transition from practical footwear to a trend item. Nine years later, much of the grid and the culture surrounding it has changed—but the return of Formula 1 to Sepang restores one familiar landmark to the calendar.