Sepang night race confusion cleared up as Hamilton welcomes new puppy Halo

A scheduling glitch in Formula 1's official app briefly fueled speculation that the Sakhir Grand Prix at Sepang would be staged as a night race, though Malaysian organizers have since confirmed afternoon running. Off the circuit, Lewis Hamilton has opened a new personal chapter by welcoming a golden retriever puppy named Halo, months after losing his longtime companion Roscoe.

Why it matters:

The Sakhir event was already relocated to Sepang from its original Bahrain slot due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, so added timing uncertainty complicated travel plans for teams and fans. Hamilton's new arrival also carries personal weight, as the seven-time champion has long been inseparable from his dogs, and Halo's appearance on Kim Kardashian's Instagram has only intensified curiosity about his private life.

The details:

• The F1 app mistakenly displayed an 8pm to 10pm local time window, suggesting a floodlit event at a venue that has never hosted night racing and lacks permanent lighting.
• Sepang is returning to the calendar for the first time since 2017, having held a Grand Prix annually from 1999 through 2017.
• Organisers quickly confirmed afternoon hours, putting the rumor to rest.
• Hamilton's puppy Halo is now in Los Angeles and will be trained by Kirstin McMillan, who previously worked with Roscoe and Coco.
• Roscoe, Hamilton's famous bulldog, died in September 2025 after developing pneumonia, ending a paddock presence that spanned over a decade.
• Halo debuted publicly via Kardashian's Instagram, reigniting speculation about her relationship with Hamilton despite neither party addressing the rumors.

What's next:

With the Sepang schedule clarified, teams can finalize preparations for the Sakhir round's Malaysian substitute, marking Formula 1's return after an eight-year absence. For Hamilton, attention will soon pivot back to on-track matters with Ferrari, though Halo is expected to eventually become a familiar face in the paddock once training is complete.