Formula 1 is returning to Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017, but Mercedes star George Russell expects the intense Malaysian heat to create a major tyre-management challenge and make overtaking more difficult.
Key Highlights
- George Russell expects severe tyre overheating to make close racing more difficult at Sepang.
- The FIA has declared a heat hazard for the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend.
- Oscar Piastri also anticipates high tyre degradation on Sepang’s abrasive surface.
- Friday practice will be crucial as teams assess tyre behaviour and adapt to the resurfaced circuit.
Why George Russell Expects Sepang to Be Difficult
Speaking during Thursday’s media session, Russell warned that Sepang’s hot conditions could push tyres beyond their optimum window. The Briton believes this could make it harder for drivers to follow closely and launch another attack after being overtaken.
Sepang has not hosted an F1 race since 2017 and underwent resurfacing work in September this year. Teams are therefore preparing for an abrasive surface that could offer limited grip until more rubber is laid down over the weekend. The FIA has also declared a heat hazard for the event.
Russell expects tyre overheating to separate Sepang from other circuits where drivers have been able to stay closer without suffering the same level of thermal degradation. He believes tyres could even overheat during qualifying out-laps, potentially making close following and re-attacking more difficult.
Oscar Piastri Also Expects High Tyre Degradation
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is similarly expecting tyre degradation to be a major factor. He described the circuit surface as looking like sandpaper and believes the combination of the track and conditions could make it a challenging weekend from a tyre-management perspective.
Recent track running is also difficult to assess, as any rubber laid down could be washed away by the rain that arrives most afternoons. That leaves teams with another unknown heading into the weekend.
What It Means for Sunday’s Race
Friday’s practice sessions will be crucial for Mercedes as the team looks to understand its tyre degradation and how the car behaves in the heat. They will also provide valuable running for drivers who have little or no experience at the modern Sepang circuit, including Kimi Antonelli.
With intense heat, high humidity and the possibility of rain all in the mix, tyre management could play a major role on Sunday. Sepang’s long straights may benefit Mercedes if Russell and Antonelli can keep their tyres under control, but overheating could make close racing and overtaking significantly more challenging.
