Cadillac Gears Up for Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit

Formula One teams are heading from the Caspian Sea to the Strait of Malacca for the 16th round of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship™ – the Bahrain Grand Prix. Originally slated for an earlier date, the event was postponed due to regional instability. In a unique arrangement, the Bahrain Grand Prix promoter has secured the use of Malaysia's Sepang Circuit, located near Kuala Lumpur, for the first time in nine years.

Sepang, built for the Malaysian Grand Prix that ran from 1999 to 2017, was a pioneering track in its era, marking the sport's expansion beyond its traditional strongholds. It has since hosted a variety of motorsport events, including MotoGP, World Superbikes, and endurance championships.

Designed by Hermann Tilke in the late 1990s, Sepang is known for its fast corners, extensive run-off areas, and a layout ensuring visibility from most grandstands. A prominent feature is the Hibiscus Tower, a grandstand overlooking the final hairpin corner, situated between the long front and back straights. This section, along with Turns 1-2, offers lower-speed overtaking opportunities, while Turn Four is another common spot for passing. Much of the circuit, however, consists of flowing, medium-to-high-speed turns.

The track is notorious for surface temperatures that can reach 60°C (140°F) and sudden, intense tropical downpours. While October is typically drier in Malaysia, teams are preparing for all weather conditions.

Marcin Budkowski, Cadillac Racing, commented: "Returning to Sepang after nearly a decade is a privilege. We thank Formula 1, the FIA, and the promoters and authorities in Bahrain and Malaysia for their remarkable flexibility and swift cooperation in making this event happen under such unusual circumstances.

"This circuit presents distinct challenges that will test our car in new ways. Such variety is a key appeal of the F1 calendar and will provide valuable insights as we continue to learn about the MAC-26 in our inaugural season. The shift from Azerbaijan and Singapore to the end of a long-haul triple-header places additional demands on our young team, both at the track and at our base.

"Following a more promising showing in Baku, we understand Sepang will be a significantly tougher test for our package. Managing tire temperatures through the high-speed sections and long straights will be crucial this weekend. With unpredictable tropical weather a constant factor, effective execution and adaptability are paramount. Our primary goal over these three weeks is to maximize every session, refine our race execution, and maintain our progress."

Both Cadillac Formula 1® drivers have extensive experience at Sepang. Checo Pérez has competed there six times, securing points on four occasions. He set the fastest lap in 2013 and is remembered for his strong second-place finish in 2012, his first podium, where he contended for the lead in the final laps while driving for Sauber.

Valtteri Bottas has raced five times at Sepang, scoring points four times. He also made his F1 debut there, participating in first practice for Williams in 2012 after winning the GP3 junior series in 2011.

Checo Pérez stated: "It's exciting to be back at Sepang after so many years. I have fond memories of racing in Malaysia, including my first podium in 2012. It's a demanding track, and the combination of heavy braking zones, high humidity, and fast, sweeping corners makes it a unique physical and technical challenge.

"While we saw more positive pace in Baku, Malaysia is expected to be more difficult for our package due to the high-speed sections and long straights where we typically lose time. Weather is always a variable in Sepang, and any rain could present opportunities. Our team's focus is on improving our operations in every session, and we aim to build on that progress throughout this triple-header."

Valtteri Bottas added: "Malaysia might be a tricky weekend for us. We've observed that in hot conditions, we can struggle with tire temperatures and overheating, and we're still working to improve our performance in high-speed corners. These factors could make it challenging. However, I'm keen to see how we perform and what we can learn about the car in these conditions.

"I enjoy racing at Sepang; it's a track I really like. Overtaking might be limited, making qualifying and strategy even more critical. It's a tough prospect, but hopefully, we can identify and seize any opportunities."