3rd October 2026 – (Kuala Lumpur) Malaysia’s long‑awaited return to Formula One at Sepang International Circuit has been overshadowed by complaints of inefficient crowd management, with racegoers reporting hours‑long queues for shuttle buses, sparse signage and traffic gridlock. The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was reassigned to Malaysia after the April race was cancelled amid conflict in the Middle East, but Friday’s opening day saw frustrated spectators post videos of chaotic scenes and bottlenecks around the venue, with some choosing to walk several kilometres along main roads to leave the area.
Accounts shared with local media described wait times exceeding three hours, with British content creator Ryan Howlett saying he finally boarded a shuttle at about 9.00pm and calling the experience one of the most chaotic he had seen. Other users on social platforms said thousands were stranded in the evening with “no signs” and “no lines”, alleging that pushing and running for buses occurred as crowd control faltered. Complaints also extended to long lines for food and water, a lack of free refill points and poor wayfinding inside and around the circuit.
By Saturday afternoon, reports indicated conditions had improved after additional staff, marshals and police were deployed, with dedicated lanes set for shuttles and queues moving more smoothly. In a statement, Sepang International Circuit acknowledged the difficulties and said it was working with transport partners and authorities to strengthen traffic flow, shuttle operations and on‑site management. Visitors were urged to plan journeys carefully and monitor official channels for the latest travel information.
Transport operator Rapid KL had announced that 95 free shuttle buses would run every 10 to 15 minutes between 7.00am and 12.00am, linking Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2, Mitsui Outlet Park and Bandar Baru Enstek, while cautioning that frequency depended on traffic. More than 200,000 spectators were expected from 2nd to 4th October, and fans were advised to use public transport given limited parking and anticipated congestion. Despite the backlash, many attendees welcomed the championship’s return, including Malaysian fan Robert Poh, who travelled from Penang with his family to witness the action in person.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Radio Televisyen Malaysia would carry the event live, saying the broadcast would give audiences nationwide a chance to experience a world‑class race from Sepang. Qualifying is scheduled for 4.00pm on Saturday, with the grand prix set for 3.00pm on Sunday.