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Daniel Ricciardo 12 months ago shared a “shoey” — champagne from his driving boot — with Max Verstappen after his surprise win.
But a group of over-exuberant Aussie fans were arrested for celebrating by stripping down to their underwear, a huge no-no in conservative Malaysia.
“My victory last year was definitely unexpected,” said Ricciardo this week. “It just goes to show you never know what can happen.”
One certainty is that the drivers will not return next year to experience the heat, humidity and unpredictable weather of steamy Sepang that have made the race a classic since it joined the calendar in 1999.
– Chequered flag for Sepang –
In April Prime Minister Najib Razak announced this year’s race would be the last.
The vast stands at the Sepang circuit, which can accommodate 120,000, drew just 45,000 in 2016 and TV ratings were poor.
“Last year, the numbers were really bad,” Razlan Razali, the chief executive of the government-owned circuit, told AFP.
The government, he said, was forking out $67 million annually to stage the race. “Two numbers we looked at, spectators going to the track and TV ratings,” said Razali.
“At the end of the day, hosting Formula One is about promoting the country as a global destination and if the numbers are not there, the investment is not justified.”
There will be one new face in the pit lane as young French GP2 champion Pierre Gasly, 21, will make his Formula One debut with Toro Rosso after replacing Daniil Kvyat, who has managed just four points this season.
