Cycling, Golfing & Even Convenience Store Runs: Here's How F1 Drivers Have Been Spending Their Time in Malaysia

By now, you may have heard that Malaysia is once again hosting a Formula 1 (F1) race, with the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from today until 4 October 2026.

The event marks F1's return to Malaysia after nearly a decade.

While motorsport fans are eagerly anticipating the race weekend, it appears that some of their favourite drivers have been making the most of their time in the country by exploring local attractions and taking part in fun activities before the action begins this weekend.

Enjoying a boys' go-karting trip in Langkawi

In a social media post, F1 drivers George Russell, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Oscar Piastri were spotted go-karting at Morac Adventure Park in Langkawi alongside former F1 driver Roberto Merhi.

Image Credit: X

The spontaneous karting session eventually saw George Russell emerge victorious, followed by Roberto Merhi, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Oscar Piastri.

@moracadventurepark F1 Boys pernah main go-kart dekat Morac tau guys !😆🏎️🇲🇾 #f1 #sepang #bahraingp #naturallylangkawi @Formula 1 @Naturally Langkawi ♬ Lose My Mind (feat. Doja Cat) [From F1® The Movie] - Don Toliver

Caught shopping like locals

It seems go-karting wasn't the only activity the drivers enjoyed while spending time in Malaysia ahead of the championship. Aside from hitting the go-kart track, several drivers have also been spotted cycling around Sepang and Langkawi during their downtime.

Photos and videos shared on social media showed drivers including Oliver Bearman, Carlos Sainz, and Roberto Merhi exploring the area on bicycles, with some fans even bumping into them while they were out and about.

Image Credit: TikTok (@avracea)

They were even spotted shopping at a local convenience store. When photos of the trio began circulating online, many Malaysians initially assumed the images had been generated using AI.

However, TikTok user @avracea later shared CCTV footage from the store, confirming that the three drivers had indeed stopped by to pick up a few items while wearing bicycle helmets.

@user1826090211 siapa cakap gambar dorang AI?🤣 #f1drivers #bahraingp #olliebearman #carlossainz #robertomerhi ♬ suara asli - landz - nol besar

Taking a break at local theme parks

Not all of the drivers' adventures in Malaysia have revolved around doing sports.

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli recently shared a video of himself enjoying a day out at SplashMania WaterPark. In the clip, the young Italian appeared to be making the most of his downtime ahead of the race weekend, taking on several water rides and attractions.

The post quickly caught the attention of Malaysian fans, who were excited to see an F1 driver experiencing one of the country's homegrown attractions.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Andrea Kimi Antonelli (@kimi.antonelli)

Hitting the golf course

It wasn't all adrenaline-fuelled activities for the drivers during their time in Malaysia.

Image Credit: Instagram

Several F1 drivers such as Pierre Gasly, were also spotted enjoying a round of golf, taking a break from their packed schedules ahead of the race weekend. Photos and videos shared online showed the drivers spending time on the course, adding yet another activity to their growing list of Malaysian adventures.

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Featured Image Credit: TikTok (@moracadventureparklangkawi, @avracea)