Formula 1 returns to Sepang after nine years with simulations pointing towards significant tyre wear caused by high lateral loads, abrasive asphalt and the hot Malaysian conditions. Pirelli has selected the C2, C3 and C4 compounds for a circuit that requires a medium-high downforce configuration and could also be affected by rain across all three days.
The Malaysian venue returns to the championship as the host of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which has been moved away from Sakhir because of the continuing difficult situation in the Bahrain Gulf. The full weekend programme and characteristics of the venue can be found in the 2026 Bahrain GP at Sepang schedule and circuit guide.
George Russell returns to winning form in Baku
Formula 1 heads straight to Asia after an unusual Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend that brought the European leg and the middle phase of the championship to a close.
The tenth Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended with victory for George Russell in the Mercedes, converting an easy pole position from Friday despite a more closely fought finish against Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver closed in after the Safety Car interventions but ultimately finished second.
Kimi Antonelli recovered to fifth after making an error in qualifying that had left him starting from 16th on the grid. Red Bull also celebrated a strong podium result, with Max Verstappen second and Isack Hadjar third on his return from a wrist injury.
Ferrari struggled considerably, particularly along Baku’s extremely long final straight, and could manage only fourth place for Charles Leclerc and sixth for Lewis Hamilton. The difficulties encountered by the SF-26 in Azerbaijan were also examined in the analysis of what Baku revealed about Ferrari’s competitive position.
McLaren endured a particularly difficult weekend. Lando Norris retired after being caught up in an incident with Franco Colapinto at the restart following the first Safety Car period, which also ruined Alpine’s strong showing. Oscar Piastri finished only 13th after running wide at Turn 1 following the second Safety Car.
Sepang demands a medium-high downforce configuration
After nine years away, Formula 1 returns to one of the most complete and technically demanding circuits of the modern era. Sepang combines two extremely long straights with fast, sweeping corners that place significant demands on both the drivers and the tyres.
The aerodynamic set-up therefore requires a compromise. Teams need enough downforce to maximise speed through the long, fast corners, while also limiting drag sufficiently to achieve competitive top speeds on the two major straights.
The most effective solution is expected to be a medium-high downforce configuration, providing enough aerodynamic support through the technical sections without sacrificing too much straight-line performance.
Mechanically, the absence of particularly aggressive kerbs should allow teams to run the cars lower and stiffer than at some other circuits. However, engineers will still have to account carefully for the substantial load transfers generated through Sepang’s long corners.
Pirelli chooses C2, C3 and C4 for Formula 1’s Sepang return
The available circuit data is now outdated and insufficient after such a long absence from the calendar. Pirelli has therefore selected the three compounds from the middle of its range: C2, C3 and C4.
It is nevertheless an aggressive selection considering the high lateral stress, significant asphalt abrasion and very high temperatures expected in Malaysia. The reasons why these compounds could create an interesting challenge for Ferrari are explored further in the analysis of Pirelli’s Sepang tyre selection and the SF-26.
Simulations point to high tyre wear at Sepang
According to the simulations, Sepang is expected to be particularly demanding on the tyres because of the combination of strong lateral forces and the circuit’s highly abrasive asphalt.
As was the case with the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, the lack of recent historical data means those projections could change as teams and Pirelli collect real information during the weekend.
Several parts of the lap stand out as critical. Turn 1, known as The Snapper, features heavy downhill braking after the very long pit straight and can easily lead to the inside front tyre locking.
The middle sector, from Turns 5 to 8, presents a continuous sequence of high-speed direction changes. This section places particularly heavy lateral loads through the tyres and is expected to be the most demanding part of the circuit for both the rubber and the drivers. A mistake through this sequence can compromise the remainder of the lap.
The final section also presents a significant challenge. The Turns 14-15 hairpin requires difficult combined braking before drivers need strong traction on exit to maximise speed along the final straight.
Left-side tyres expected to face the greatest stress
Overall tyre wear is expected to be high because of the rough surface and the lateral loads generated particularly through the second sector. The left-side tyres should face the greatest stress because Sepang contains a higher number of right-hand corners.
Once running begins, compound behaviour, stint lengths and degradation patterns can be followed through the F1 Tyre & Stint Analysis, which provides additional context for how the different compounds perform over longer runs.
Rain could transform the Sepang strategy
Weather represents another major variable. Malaysia is currently in its monsoon period, bringing considerable instability and the possibility of sudden thunderstorms capable of completely changing team strategies and, in extreme circumstances, even causing red flags.
If rain arrives, the likelihood of incidents also increases, along with the possibility of Virtual Safety Car or Safety Car interventions. Those interruptions could create further strategic opportunities and become decisive factors in determining the outcome of Formula 1’s return to Sepang.
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