F1 race fans left fuming with long queues, shuttle delays

 Visitors to the Sepang circuit complain of disorganised transport and long waits for water, urging improvements before the weekend.

Formula One fans have taken to social media to complain of chaos at the Sepang International Circuit today, as shown by this huge crowd surrounding a shuttle bus. (Threads pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Motor racing fans have taken to social media complaining of long queues for shuttle buses and difficulty in getting drinking water at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), and called for better crowd management and transport services before the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.

They complained of delays entering and leaving the circuit, while one social media user claimed people had resorted to walking along a highway emergency lane while waiting for buses after today’s practice sessions.

Instagram user pompey1980 said ticket-holders had been waiting for a shuttle for hours. “I’ve been to Grand Prixs all over the world and not experienced chaos like this. And it’s only Friday. Dreading Saturday and Sunday,” the user wrote.

Another user “timkatyvegas02” claimed thousands of people were still waiting for buses at 8.20pm. “People are walking down the hard shoulder of the motorway,” the user said.

On Threads, user mhd.adli described “crazy scenes” at the Sepang circuit claiming there was little crowd control as people pushed one another and ran to catch buses.

On X, user “rocky19” described the journey from the circuit to Kuala Lumpur International Airport as “horrendous”, criticising the transport arrangements and traffic management.

The user tagged Rapid KL, police and KLIA Ekspres, urging better planning ahead of Sunday.

Complaints also centred on queues at entry gates and access to drinking water. Instagram user “sunnyboyh” said visitors had to queue for “everything”, from buying a bottle of water to entering the circuit and using shuttle services, despite the hot weather.

“People need to queue for everything under the super hot weather,” the user wrote, expressing hope that arrangements would improve the following day.

Some of the crowds waiting for transport at the Sepang motor racing circuit today. (Threads pic)

The F1 Speed account on X also alleged that shuttle queues were unorganised, most water stations were not operational and several spectators had fainted.

On Reddit, user Nicholsonstreet criticised the long queues for water and food, a lack of free water refill stations, poor signage and communication, and chaotic bus arrangements.

The user also claimed it took three hours to travel from the circuit to the KLIA train station, compared with an estimated 20-minute journey under normal conditions.

“Really disappointing. I hope the organisers can fix this for the rest of the weekend after seeing the disorganised chaos today,” said the netizen.

Another Reddit user, SergeantTiller, said there were “tens of thousands” of people stuck waiting for shuttles at 7pm. “No signs. No lines. Just a complete free for all,” said SergeantTiller.

FMT has contacted Prasarana and SIC for comments on the shuttle services, traffic management and water facilities.

In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from Oct 2 to 4, following an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The agreement keeps the Bahrain GP on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

SIC hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before it was removed from the calendar because of rising hosting costs and licensing fees.

Petronas previously held the title sponsorship rights for the race. In July, Petronas clarified that although it currently holds naming rights to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, it is not the event organiser for this weekend’s race. - FMT