At the Sepang International Circuit this weekend, Formula One fans will witness Lewis Hamilton competing under a new banner as he races for Ferrari, departing from his previous years with Mercedes. The British driver, a seven-time world champion, returns to Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix in red alongside teammate Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton reflected on his history at the Malaysian track, noting that while he does not recall many specific moments from his 11 prior races there, some memories stand out. He recalled with amusement an incident from 2013 when he mistakenly entered the pit lane of his former team, McLaren. “I don’t really remember any of the races here to be honest, maybe in 2008 when I first raced here,” Hamilton said. “Other than that, I remember going into the wrong pits.”

Beyond the racing, Hamilton expressed fondness for his experiences in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting his work with Petronas, the Malaysian oil and gas giant, and the recurring visits to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Despite his long history at the circuit, Hamilton’s sole victory in Malaysia came in 2014.

In addition to discussing his racing past and present, Hamilton addressed recent speculation concerning Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur. Reports had linked Vasseur’s position to potential involvement with Christian Horner, the former Red Bull Racing boss. Hamilton offered his unwavering support for Vasseur’s leadership, emphasizing the progress the team has made under his guidance.

“Fred is a great guy and is the one to lead us. He’s doing a fantastic job,” Hamilton said. He credited Vasseur for helping Ferrari climb to second place in the constructors’ championship, marking a significant improvement compared to the previous season. Hamilton also stressed that the team’s success is a collective effort rather than the result of a single individual. “If you want to point fingers, point it somewhere else,” he added.

As Hamilton adapts to his new role with Ferrari, his connection to the Sepang track and the Malaysian cultural backdrop remains evident, underscoring his enduring appreciation for the circuit and locale even amid changing professional landscapes.