George Russell raises Sepang concern despite major Mercedes package

The majority of drivers will take part in an F1 Grand Prix in Sepang for the first time this weekend, and will be greeted with a hot one, with the FIA already having declared a heat hazard at the circuit for the third time in 2026.

Featuring an old school, abrasive track surface at the best of times, the Sepang International Circuit has not hosted an F1 race in nine years - last won by a 20-year-old Max Verstappen - so low grip levels are expected particularly at the start of the weekend.

In 2026, the delicate balancing act that is battery management with the new F1 cars, featuring a near 50:50 split between electrical power and internal combustion, has seen Sepang identified as a"yo-yo circuit." Russell, however, believes the prospect of tyre overheating will make constant overtakes tricky, even with the extensive upgrades brought by the Silver Arrows this weekend.

Speaking to media, including GPblog, Russell said: "I think the big difference on this circuit compared to other so-called yo-yo circuits is the tyre overheating.

The Briton believes tyres could even overheat during the out lap in Qualifying, with following other cars possibly proving difficult in what Russell has called a "total unknown."

He added: "Whereas here, surface overheating is going to be a huge thing. You'll be overheating the tyres even on the out lap of a qualifying session, which may make it more challenging to follow closer and to re-attack once you've been overtaken, but that's a total unknown currently."

McLaren's Oscar Piastri has also previewed a tough weekend with regard to tyre degradation, likening the Sepang circuit's surface to sandpaper. The Aussie also highlighted the ever-changing weather conditions in the area, with rain a significant risk this weekend.

"I think [degradation will] be high. It looks like sandpaper out there, so we'll wait and see, but I definitely think it's going to be challenging with tyre deg," Piastri said.