Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Swapped Their Ferraris for Alfa Romeos in Malaysia

SEPANG CIRCUIT, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were photographed driving Alfa Romeo Giulia sedans on the Sepang circuit during the Formula 1 weekend, according to images released by Alfa Romeo Malaysia on Oct 4, 2026.

Alfa Romeo Malaysia posted the photographs on its social‑media channels, highlighting the colour contrast between the two vehicles and noting that the drivers “joined the circuit, among other things.” The images were taken as the Bahrain Grand Prix – officially titled despite being staged in Malaysia – proceeded at Sepang after Bahrain pledged funding following the cancellation of its own event. The article said the race is being held on an “exceptional basis” in Malaysia.

The promotional stunt taps into a century‑old link between the two Italian marques. The piece recalled that Scuderia Ferrari was founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 after he had raced for Alfa Romeo, and that during the 1930s the Scuderia fielded Alfa Romeo Grand Prix cars. The article quoted, “Enzo learned the trade at Alfa Romeo. Noblesse oblige, or as the saying goes, ‘nobility entails responsibility.’”

Alfa Romeo Malaysia said the Giulia model featured in the event is the locally marketed Veloce version. It is equipped with a 2.0‑litre turbocharged four‑cylinder engine delivering 280 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an eight‑speed automatic transmission and rear‑wheel drive. The sedan’s top speed is limited to 240 km/h, and it retains a near‑50:50 weight distribution, a carbon‑fiber driveshaft, a Q2 limited‑slip differential and Alfa Link suspension, according to the brand’s specifications.

The appearance of the Giulia at a high‑profile motorsport weekend comes just months after Alfa Romeo re‑entered the Malaysian market in November 2025, ending more than a decade of absence with the launch of the Giulia and Stelvio. By placing two globally recognised drivers behind the wheel, the brand aims to boost awareness of its comeback and stimulate demand for its sports‑sedan offering among Malaysian consumers, the article suggested.

Alfa Romeo Malaysia indicated that the Sepang exposure will form part of a broader promotional campaign tied to the Formula 1 event, leveraging the historic Ferrari‑Alfa Romeo connection to reinforce the Giulia’s market positioning. The brand’s next steps include further marketing activities throughout the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend, as it seeks to consolidate its renewed presence in the country.

Related: Lewis Hamilton · Sepang circuit