Drivers and teams face surface and weather questions in Sepang return
Formula 1’s return to Sepang brings uncertainty centered on the circuit surface and Malaysia’s demanding climate. Drivers and teams are preparing for rough track conditions, heat, humidity and the possibility of late-afternoon rain.
Sepang International Circuit is set to host a Formula 1 race for the first time since 2017. Its 2026 appearance is a one-off return as a proxy host for the Bahrain Grand Prix, with drivers asked to assess what could shape the weekend.
A major talking point is the track surface. One report said its roughness has been compared by Oscar Piastri to “sandpaper”, creating a strategy question for teams as they judge tyre wear and race management.
The event also brings familiar challenges associated with Sepang, including hot and humid conditions and the prospect of daily late-afternoon rain. For much of the current grid, these factors are less familiar, adding to the unpredictability surrounding the weekend.
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