FIA fixes Sepang grid after pole position painted on wrong side

Formula 1's starting grid at Sepang International Circuit was corrected at the last minute after an administrative error placed pole position on the wrong side of the track. The FIA discovered the mistake during a Wednesday inspection, and the grid was adjusted on Thursday. The error originated in FIA paperwork, which instructed Malaysian organizers to paint pole on the left, contrary to the traditional right-hand spot used in previous Malaysian Grands Prix. The original first grid box was painted over, and all starting positions were renumbered, with the former P2 becoming pole. Sepang's start line was also moved to comply with the required minimum one-meter distance from the front grid box. After repairs, the circuit passed inspection on Thursday, and race director Rui Marques approved the event. Formula 1 returns to Sepang this weekend for the first time since 2017, replacing the Bahrain Grand Prix. The correction ensures the polesitter starts from the familiar right-hand side, with Max Verstappen fastest in FP1 and Charles Leclerc quickest in FP2.