The last time Formula 1® raced at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia was back in 2017, marking the end of an era before the sport’s planned return in 2026. That race remains a notable moment in recent history, not only for its on-track action but also for the broader context of the sport and the world at that time.
Heading into the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton led the Drivers’ Championship by 28 points over Sebastian Vettel. Max Verstappen, who had just celebrated his 20th birthday the day before, secured his second career victory at Sepang. Hamilton finished second, with Daniel Ricciardo completing the podium in third place. Vettel, despite starting from the back of the grid, managed to recover to fourth. The grid featured driver line-ups that have since evolved, including Verstappen and Ricciardo at Red Bull Racing, Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen at Ferrari, and Fernando Alonso alongside Stoffel Vandoorne at McLaren. Notably, Pierre Gasly made his Formula 1® debut at this race, qualifying 15th and finishing 14th, while Charles Leclerc appeared in the first practice session.
Beyond the track, 2017 was a year marked by significant cultural and technological moments. Music charts were dominated by hits like Dua Lipa’s “New Rules” and Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes,” while Harry Styles released his first solo album. The film industry saw releases such as IT and Kingsman: The Golden Circle. In sports, Cristiano Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d’Or, Roger Federer added to his Grand Slam tally, Serena Williams achieved her 23rd Grand Slam, and Usain Bolt competed in his final races. Technological advances included the launch of the iPhone X, the high demand for the Tesla Model 3, and the release of the Nintendo Switch. Fashion trends saw Rihanna launching Fenty Beauty and Crocs gaining popularity.
The 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix also highlighted the changing nature of the Formula 1® grid. Several drivers who are now well-established had yet to make their debut, and the teams’ line-ups reflected a different competitive landscape. Red Bull Racing paired Verstappen with Ricciardo, while Ferrari’s driver duo was Vettel and Räikkönen. McLaren fielded Alonso and Vandoorne, and Toro Rosso, now known as Scuderia AlphaTauri, was part of the mix alongside Sauber. This snapshot of the paddock provides a clear contrast to the driver and team compositions expected when Formula 1® returns to Sepang in 2026.
The race itself was a moment of progress for Verstappen, who was emerging as a significant talent in the sport. Hamilton’s position in the championship at that time underscored his consistency and strength throughout the season. Vettel’s recovery drive from the back of the grid demonstrated resilience, even if it did not translate into a podium finish. Ricciardo’s third place added to Red Bull Racing’s strong showing in Malaysia.
Looking back, the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix serves as a reminder of how much has changed in Formula 1® and the wider world since then. The sport’s return to Sepang in 2026 will reconnect fans with a circuit rich in history but within a very different competitive and cultural environment. The 2017 race remains a significant reference point for understanding the evolution of teams, drivers, and the sport’s global context over the past decade.