Inside the chaos of the F1 drivers’ pre-Sepang training camp

Ahead of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, a group of Formula 1 drivers, including Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, George Russell, Ollie Bearman, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto, embarked on a spontaneous 'boys' training camp' in Langkawi. The trip, organized by Sainz while coordinating travel plans from Azerbaijan, allowed the drivers to train, kart, and bond away from the intense pressures of the race weekend. While the karting sessions turned into a chaotic and competitive 'banger race' described as 'wild' by Russell, the drivers emphasized the value of the trip as a rare opportunity to socialize and understand each other as individuals. Lando Norris also joined the group but opted to focus on training and relaxing with chess instead of participating in the karting, noting that the getaway provided a healthy separation between personal life and their professional racing rivalries.