"We'd Love To Go Back": Mercedes Eyes Sepang Return As F1 Night Race Idea Emerges

Sepang under the lights? Now that's something Malaysian F1 fans haven't seen before.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 is keen to return to Malaysia, while global lighting specialist Signify says there's no technological barrier to staging a night race at Sepang International Circuit.

Of course, there's still one rather important hurdle: Malaysia hasn't secured another Formula 1 race just yet.

"We'd Love To Go Back", Says Mercedes

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 deputy team principal Bradley Lord has made it clear that the team would welcome another opportunity to race at Sepang.

"We'd love to go back," Lord said when discussing a potential return to Malaysia, following the recent Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sepang from 2 to 4 October.

And it's not difficult to see why Malaysia holds a special place for Mercedes. With Petronas as its title partner, the team enjoys something close to home-ground support whenever it visits Malaysia. Lord even described racing here as feeling somewhat like a home race.

The enthusiasm was evident during Mercedes' promotional appearance at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, where thousands of fans gathered to see the team.

Lord's enthusiasm came with a cheeky request, though. If F1 returns, Mercedes might want the circuit resurfaced first.

That said, Mercedes' enthusiasm doesn't automatically translate into a confirmed Malaysian Grand Prix. The decision ultimately depends on Formula 1, the organisers and the commercial arrangements involved.

Could Sepang Host An F1 Night Race?

According to global lighting specialist Signify, the technology wouldn't be the problem. Signify CEO As Tempelman told Bernama that a suitable lighting system could be developed if Malaysia decides to pursue a night race at Sepang.

The company has experience with major motorsport lighting projects, including Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit, which has hosted Formula 1 night racing since 2008.

Its engineering partner, DZ Engineering, has also expressed interest in submitting a proposal should Sepang move towards night racing.

For Malaysian fans, the idea is certainly appealing. Sepang hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 until 2017, but its F1 races were held during the day.

Even the recent Bahrain GP, relocated to Sepang in October, was an afternoon race. A night race would therefore mark a first for Formula 1 at the Malaysian circuit.

There's a catch, though. No lighting project has been approved, and neither the cost of converting Sepang for night racing nor an official proposal from the circuit operator has been established.

Signify's comments demonstrate technical possibility, not confirmation that Sepang is preparing to host a night race.

Malaysia Still Needs To Secure Another Grand Prix

Before anyone starts imagining F1 cars flying down Sepang's straights under floodlights, Malaysia still needs to secure another race.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has already discussed bringing the Malaysian Grand Prix back to Sepang with F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali. The government is expected to review the financial feasibility of hosting F1 again in November.

Although the recent race was projected to generate RM950 million in economic activity, the financial case for hosting F1 annually remains complicated.

Mercedes' support is encouraging, and Signify's assessment opens up an intriguing possibility. But neither resolves the question of whether Malaysia can secure a place on F1's calendar.