The 12 drivers to make their Sepang debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix

A few days ago, it was officially confirmed that the Sakhir Grand Prix will go ahead after all, with the Sepang International Circuit stepping in as the replacement venue. It also remains to be seen whether the season finale will take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as originally scheduled, or whether the championship will instead conclude in Europe should the conflict in the Middle East continue.

Speaking about the decision, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali thanked the Bahraini and Malaysian authorities, as well as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for their cooperation and decisive efforts in making the race possible.

Domenicali described the decision as great news for Formula 1 fans, who will still get to enjoy a full calendar despite the changes made to the schedule. He also welcomed the sport's return to Sepang, calling Malaysia an incredible country and praising the circuit's rich Formula 1 history, adding that it will provide a spectacular event for fans both at the track and around the world.

"I would like to express our sincere thanks to Bahrain and Malaysia, notably His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the King and Prime Minister of Malaysia for their vision, passion and decisive action in making this exciting moment possible. I also want to thank the President of the FIA, His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem for his partnership and collaboration," he said.

No fewer than 12 of the 22 drivers on the current Formula 1 grid have never raced at Sepang. Among the most notable names are the two Mercedes drivers, the two McLaren drivers and Charles Leclerc. Leclerc made his Formula 1 debut in 2018, while current world champion Lando Norris and George Russell entered the sport in 2019. Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, only arrived on the grid in 2023.

The remaining drivers with no previous Formula 1 experience at Sepang are Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto, Ollie Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto and Alex Albon. While Albon made his Formula 1 debut in 2019, the other six only joined the grid in more recent seasons.