Four more days until Formula 1 returns to Malaysia, and as someone who’s going to Sepang for F1 for the first time, I’ve been slowly putting together a collective checklist of what to bring, what to wear and what will hopefully keep me alive through a full day at the circuit.
I’ve also been scrolling through F1 Threads to see what other Malaysian fans are recommending, because frankly, there’s only so much preparation you can do before someone tells you that you absolutely need a handheld fan and Cool Fever Extra Cool.
So here’s my collective checklist so far.
1. Your Tickets And Identification
Let’s start with the obvious stuff because there’s nothing worse than reaching Sepang and realising the one thing you absolutely cannot forget is still sitting on your desk.
Bring your F1 ticket, ticket holder and your MyKad or passport. It is also worth taking screenshots of your ticket and other important information so you’re not completely dependent on an internet connection once you’re at the circuit.
2. Cash, Card And Your Phone
Don’t rely entirely on e-wallets.
Bring some cash in Malaysian Ringgit, along with your debit or credit card. Your phone is obviously essential too, especially for tickets, maps, live timing and taking approximately 800 photos of the same car going past.
And yes, bring a power bank and charging cable.
3. Dress For Sepang, Not Your Instagram Feed
The priority is comfort.
Think lightweight, breathable clothing rather than thick jeans or anything that traps heat. A team cap or jersey is optional, but let’s be honest, it does make the whole thing feel more like F1.
Sunglasses are also worth bringing, particularly if you’re sitting somewhere exposed.
And if you want extra protection from the sun, a lightweight long-sleeve layer can help.
4. Comfortable Shoes Are Non-Negotiable
This came up repeatedly in the tips I found, and I completely understand why.
You’re going to walk. A lot.
So wear something comfortable and already broken in. Skechers and New Balance were specifically recommended by fellow fans, with one giving both a very enthusiastic “100/10”.
Whatever you choose, perhaps don’t make race weekend the first time you’ve worn them.
5. Prepare For The Heat
This is Sepang. You know what you’re getting into.
Sunscreen should be one of the first things in your bag. A handheld or neck fan is another highly recommended addition, particularly if you’re spending hours outdoors.
One particularly enthusiastic F1 fan also recommended Kool Fever Extra Cool Spray, while another suggested bringing a good morning towel.
Honestly, at this point, I’m taking the advice.
6. And Then There Is The Rain
Malaysia being Malaysia, you can have bright sunshine one minute and a downpour the next.
A lightweight raincoat or poncho is therefore a sensible addition.
Some fans also recommended a mini umbrella, although this is one item I’d check against the official Sepang spectator rules before bringing it into the circuit, particularly if you’re sitting in a grandstand where it could obstruct other people’s views.
The safer bet is probably a compact raincoat or poncho.
7. Bring A Spare Shirt
This one sounds excessive until you remember you’re going to be standing around in Malaysian heat for hours.
A spare T-shirt takes up very little space and could be very welcome by the afternoon. Add tissue and wet wipes too.
And yes, a small deodorant or body mist is fair game. Keep it compact and check the venue’s restrictions on liquids and aerosols before packing.
Nobody wants to be that person by Lap 50.
8. Protect Your Ears
F1 cars are loud. Really loud.
Earplugs are an easy addition to the bag, with fans recommending versions that offer some noise reduction while still allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere.
If you’re sitting further away from the track, binoculars can also be useful.
One fan even suggested bringing an iPad or phone with AirPods to follow live commentary and F1 app information while watching the action from the circuit.
9. Bring A Bag That Can Handle Race Weekend
A sling bag or small backpack should cover most of the essentials.
You also have to account for the fact that there will be merchandise stalls and, inevitably, freebies you didn’t plan on bringing home.
One F1 fan suggested an 8-litre sling bag, which sounds like a pretty reasonable middle ground between carrying everything you need and lugging around a suitcase.
A small plastic bag is another surprisingly useful addition for rubbish or keeping wet items separate after a rain shower.
10. The Optional F1 Stuff
This is where the practical checklist becomes slightly more fun.
Team cap. Team jersey. Team flag. Binoculars. Phone grip for better photos.
None of these are essential, but if you’re going to spend a weekend at an F1 race, you might as well lean into it.
Just remember that a phone grip, camera accessories or larger equipment may be subject to venue restrictions, so check the latest rules before packing.
So, What’s Actually In My Bag?
At this point, my mental packing list looks something like this: MyKad or passport, ticket, phone, power bank, cash and card, sunscreen, fan, rain protection, comfortable shoes, tissues, wet wipes, spare shirt, compact deodorant, my trusty Airpods for earplug and a small bag.
Then there are the things that will probably make their way in because this is F1: a team cap, binoculars, a phone grip and possibly enough cooling products to survive Sepang.
Four days to go.
I’m probably still going to forget something.
