Montoya Predicts Verstappen, Antonelli to Thrive on F1’s Sepang Return

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes the series’ upcoming return to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will play to the strengths of four-time champion Max Verstappen and current championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

Formula 1 recently confirmed that the Bahrain Grand Prix—cancelled in April due to conflict in the Middle East—will be staged at Sepang over the 2-4 October weekend.

Discussing the calendar change during the F1 TV post-race show, Montoya described the venue as a personal favorite.

“It is amazing. I’ve raced there and it is unbelievable,” the Colombian said. “Honestly, it’s my favourite Formula 1 track of all of them. You need to be extra brave to go be fast there. It’s not because the high-speed corners aren’t flat—they’re just about flat if you think you’re brave enough or stupid enough to try them. A lot of times I made it through and a lot of times I went off there.”

Montoya believes the circuit’s character will perfectly suit Verstappen, who won the last race held there in 2017, as well as Antonelli.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Clive Mason / Getty Images

“It was one of those tracks for hustling the car,” Montoya added. “I think it’s an amazing track for a guy like Max, who likes hustling the car. I think Antonelli is going to succeed there as well. So, it’s going to be really cool to see. It’s going to be really hot as well.”

Former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, appearing alongside Montoya on the broadcast, called the arrangement a “brilliant collaboration to ensure that we do see another race this season,” noting he had never visited the venue himself.

The rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix will form part of a demanding triple-header: the Azerbaijan Grand Prix runs 24-26 September, followed by the Sepang event on 2-4 October and the Singapore Grand Prix on 9-11 October.

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