2026 Bahrain F1 Grand Prix in Malaysia - Mercedes-Benz Preview

 

Toto Talks Sepang

This weekend has extra significance for us because of our long-standing relationship with PETRONAS. It's fantastic to see Formula One returning to Sepang and we should also recognize the effort that has gone into making this Grand Prix happen. It has required strong collaboration between Malaysia and Bahrain, and that deserves credit.

Once the cars are on track, though, our focus is on the job ahead. Sepang is a demanding circuit that asks every question of the car. You need performance in the high-speed corners, good traction, strong tire management and consistency in hot, challenging conditions. It is one of the more complete tests on the calendar.

We are bringing an update package this weekend, and that is an important step for us. At the more representative circuits in recent races, we have not been where we want to be. Monza and Baku presented unique challenges, but on the more conventional tracks we have not been in the fight for pole position. We know that and we are working hard to change it.

The update is hopefully another step forward, but there are no guarantees in F1. The stopwatch is always the final judge. Our focus is on understanding the package quickly, executing the weekend well, and aiming to put ourselves in the fight at the front.

Third Driver Insight

It's great to see Sepang back on the F1 calendar. Whilst it is a track I’ve never driven in person, I know it quite well having driven it extensively in the simulator. It is exciting to see F1 return there, particularly given it's the home race of PETRONAS, our Title and Technical Partner, so it is a very important event for the team.

Sepang is a real test for the car and driver. There are plenty of high-speed corners where you want good downforce and confidence in the car, but there are also several long straights.  The medium and high-speed sections are where lap time is ultimately won or lost; it is easy to leave time on the table if you're not extracting everything from the lap. Combined with the heat and humidity, it makes for a demanding but very rewarding challenge.

Did you know?

• This year’s race is officially called the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
• Sepang hosted 19 F1 Grands Prix between 1999 and 2017; designed by Hermann Tilke, it became the first purpose-built F1 venue in Asia when it opened just before the turn of the century.
• The Sepang International Circuit is one of the widest tracks ever used in F1, measuring between 16 and 22 meters wide, allowing multiple racing lines and creating overtaking opportunities throughout the lap. 
• The combination of high temperatures and humidity means a race at Sepang is considered one of the most physically demanding challenges for drivers on the calendar.
• Whilst Mercedes claimed a single victory at Sepang courtesy of Lewis Hamilton in 2014, the team has stood on the top step six times at the Bahrain Grand Prix thanks to wins from Hamilton (2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021) and Rosberg (2016).
• Adding to the occasion, the W17 will carry a special PETRONAS-inspired livery in Sepang, reflecting the colors of the team's title partner for this landmark event.