The complexion of the 2017 Formula 1 world championship battle changed completely with Lewis Hamilton’s victory and Sebastian Vettel’s disaster in the Singapore Grand Prix. The longer wheelbase Mercedes, with brilliant aero efficiency and better power (especially in qualifying), has excelled at high-speed tracks with long sweeping corners – proving particularly strong at Silverstone and Monza.
The Ferrari is shorter but more nimble and can put on more downforce, hence its pace in Monaco, Hungary and qualifying in Singapore. Unless either team brings game-changing updates, the first phase of the run-in appears better for Mercedes. Sepang this weekend, with its straights and sweeping high-speed corners, may not be the ideal place for the Maranello team to attempt a comeback.
Join us in the afternoon for the latest news, updates and results from the Sepang International Circuit as the qualifying session ahead of the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix is about to get underway, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel of the SF70H.
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