The long queues for buses reportedly prompted some to walk several kilometres out of the area along main roads and motorways, with some of them posting their experiences on TikTok.
Other social media users also complained of traffic gridlock on Friday morning, as roads towards the circuit were closed to private and ride-hailing cars.
Reddit user Nicholsonstreet also lamented the long queues for water and food, a lack of free water refill stations as well as poor signage, FMT reported.
According to Malay Mail, transport operator Rapid KL had said that 95 free shuttle buses would run every 10 to 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2, Mitsui Outlet Park and Bandar Baru Enstek between 7am and midnight, although frequencies were subject to traffic conditions.
More than 200,000 spectators were expected over the event from Oct 2 to 4, and racegoers had been advised to use public transport because of limited parking and expected congestion.
Despite the complaints by some race fans, others were happy to be able to experience F1 in Malaysia again.
Malaysian Robert Poh, 38, drove from Penang with his family on Thursday and checked into a hotel in Kuala Lumpur before watching the action at Sepang the following day, The Star reported.
“My wife and I have been keeping up with the news about F1 for quite some time,” he was quoted as saying.
“When we heard it was coming back to Sepang, we knew we had to come down to watch for ourselves.”
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Friday that Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) would broadcast the event live.
“I hope the live broadcast will give people across the country the opportunity to experience the thrill of a world-class race from the Sepang International Circuit,” he said in a social media post.
The qualifying race will be held at 4pm on Saturday, with the main race at 3pm on Sunday.
