Expensive Food, Long Walks & Transport Issues: Here's Everything That Went Wrong During the F1 Weekend

The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix concluded at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday (4 October). Despite the heavy rain, the race ended with Max Verstappen securing victory for Red Bull.

However, the action on the track wasn't the only thing people were talking about throughout the weekend. Let's take a look at some of the biggest complaints that emerged during the F1 event.

Poor crowd management

Image Credit: FMT

By now, you've probably come across videos showing massive crowds queuing for shuttle buses. Apparently, the issue became so severe that some fans resorted to walking nearly 10km from the Sepang International Circuit to shuttle hubs at Mitsui Outlet Park.

In a report by Malay Mail, British content creator Ryan Howlett said he left Sepang at 5:45 PM on the first day of the event but only managed to board a shuttle bus at around 9 PM.

Describing the experience as "one of the craziest things" he had ever encountered, Howlett claimed that people were fighting, shouting, and even throwing objects at buses. He also criticised what he described as a lack of signage and information for spectators exiting the circuit.

Besides Howlett, Malaysian comedian Gajen Nad also took to social media to share his experience following the second practice session (FP2) of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

In a video posted on Instagram, Gajen documented how he walked nearly 10km from the Sepang International Circuit to Mitsui Outlet Park. He reportedly began the journey at 6:25 PM and arrived at his destination at 8:05 PM.

According to Gajen, he chose to walk because the shuttle bus queue was simply too long.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gajen Nad | Comedian | Emcee (@gajen.nad)

He later documented another trek on Day Two of the Bahrain Grand Prix, revealing that he walked approximately 7km from Sepang Circuit to Bandar Enstek.

Gajen noted that there appeared to be more shuttle buses available on the second day of the event. Additionally, more police officers had been deployed to help manage the crowds. However, the area remained extremely congested.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gajen Nad | Comedian | Emcee (@gajen.nad)

Shuttle bus issues weren't the only transportation-related complaints raised during the F1 weekend. Some road users also claimed that roads leading to the circuit were heavily congested, with private vehicles and e-hailing services reportedly stopping at the perimeter.

According to FMT, although the race concluded at around 6:30 PM on Sunday, many fans were still stranded near the circuit and transport hubs more than six hours later.

Some opted to walk towards Mitsui Outlet Park and KLIA, while several motorcyclists were seen offering rides to stranded fans.

Exorbitant food prices

Transportation wasn't the only issue F1 fans were complaining about over the weekend. Food and beverage prices at the event also became a major talking point online.

Image Credit: TikTok (@freemalaysiatoday)

Among the prices that went viral were RM50 for a plate of nasi lemak with fried chicken, RM30 for mango with asam boi, and RM25 for an iced Milo.

Some social media users even speculated that the food prices may have been based on amounts converted directly from Bahraini dinars.

Needless to say, many Malaysians were shocked by the prices, especially considering similar items can be purchased at local eateries and mamak restaurants for a fraction of the cost.

Could Formula 1 return to Malaysia?

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that discussions are taking place regarding a possible return to the Formula 1 calendar following last weekend's race.

According to reports, Anwar confirmed the discussions during a brief exchange with Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle on the grid at the Sepang International Circuit.

When asked by Brundle about the prospect of Malaysia returning to the F1 calendar in the future, Anwar replied:

"Well, I'm looking forward to it. We are discussing."

While no official plans have been announced, the Prime Minister's remarks have given local motorsport fans hope that Formula 1 could one day make a full-time return to Malaysia.

Featured Image Credit: FMT, @starlingtrading | Threads