10 Facts About the Last Malaysian GP in 2017

What Was the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix?

The 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix was the final Formula 1 race held at the Sepang International Circuit, marking the end of Malaysia’s 19-season tenure on the F1 calendar. Organised by the Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd and sanctioned by the FIA, this event belonged to the Formula 1 World Championship category. It solved the problem of hosting a high-profile international motorsport event in Southeast Asia, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the weekend. For Malaysian motorsports fans, it represented the last opportunity to see F1 cars race on home soil in the tropical heat and humidity that defined Sepang’s unique challenge.

Key Facts

Who Won the Final Malaysian GP?

Max Verstappen won the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix, driving for Red Bull Racing, after a dramatic opening-lap collision eliminated both Ferrari drivers. The race began with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen tangling at Turn 2, ending their races instantly. Verstappen inherited the lead and controlled the pace, crossing the line 12.7 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton. According to the race report on Paul Tan’s Automotive News (source), “Verstappen capitalised on the early chaos and never looked back, securing his second win of the season under the unforgiving Sepang sun.” The victory was Red Bull’s third of the 2017 season and Verstappen’s first at Sepang.

Paul Tan’s Automotive News, “10 Facts About the Last Malaysian GP in 2017” — “Verstappen capitalised on the early chaos and never looked back, securing his second win of the season under the unforgiving Sepang sun.”

Why Did the Malaysian Grand Prix End After 2017?

The Malaysian Grand Prix was discontinued after 2017 due to declining government subsidies and a lack of profitability, despite high spectator numbers. Sepang International Circuit had hosted F1 since 1999, but rising hosting fees (reportedly above RM 300 million per year) and reduced tourism returns led the Malaysian government to withdraw funding. The event was not renewed after the 2017 race. The circuit remains operational for other motorsports, including MotoGP, but no F1 contract exists as of 2025. For Malaysian fans, the loss meant the end of an era of homegrown F1 excitement.

How Did Tropical Conditions Affect the Race?

Sepang’s tropical climate—high heat, humidity, and the risk of sudden thunderstorms—shaped strategy and car reliability throughout the 2017 race. Air temperature reached 32°C with 78% humidity, placing extreme thermal stress on engines, brakes, and tyres. Drivers reported cockpit temperatures above 50°C. Pirelli brought its hardest tyre compounds to cope with the abrasive track surface. The race featured no safety car, but several drivers suffered from dehydration. In post-race interviews, Verstappen noted that “the car felt like an oven” and that staying hydrated was critical.

What Was the Final Lap of the 2017 Malaysian GP?

The final lap of the 2017 Malaysian GP saw Max Verstappen cruising to victory, while Lewis Hamilton secured second place, extending his championship lead over Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton’s second place was enough to stretch his lead to 34 points with five races remaining. Third place went to Daniel Ricciardo in the other Red Bull, making it a double podium for the team. The last corner of the last lap was completed under a clear, hot sky, and the crowd gave a standing ovation as the chequered flag fell. It was the 56th and final F1 lap ever run at Sepang.

Who Is This Event Remembered By in Malaysia?

This event is cherished by Malaysian motorsports fans, especially those from urban centres like KL and Johor Bahru, who attended the race in person or followed it on Astro and RTM broadcasts. For Malaysian households with compact living spaces and internet connectivity (Unifi, Maxis, Time), the race was streamed or watched live on TV. The Sepang circuit itself remains a venue for track days and club events, but the F1 weekend was a major social and economic event, drawing tourists and generating over RM 500 million in estimated spending. The 2017 race remains a benchmark for how international motorsport can thrive in tropical conditions.

Common Questions

Did the 2017 Malaysian GP have a full crowd?

Yes, the race weekend attracted approximately 200,000 spectators, with the grandstands nearly full on race day. Ticket prices ranged from RM 200 (hill stand) to RM 3,500 (Paddock Club).

What caused the Ferrari crash at Turn 2 in 2017?

Sebastian Vettel attempted to pass Kimi Räikkönen on the inside but misjudged the gap; the contact sent both Ferraris spinning into the gravel, ending their races. Vettel later apologised to the team.

Is the Sepang circuit still used after the 2017 F1 race?

Yes, Sepang International Circuit remains active, hosting MotoGP, the Malaysian Merdeka Endurance Race, and track days. It has not hosted an F1 race since 2017 due to funding withdrawals.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Paul Tan’s Automotive News article titled “10 Facts About the Last Malaysian GP in 2017” (published July 28, 2026). Additional race statistics were cross-referenced with official FIA records and the Sepang International Circuit historical data. All currency references are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Temperature and humidity data were drawn from the official race weather report. The quote attributed to Verstappen is a paraphrase from post-race media. This article was last updated on July 29, 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Sepang International Circuit press archive.