Tricky track conditions at the Sepang circuit caught out Formula 1's heavyweights as McLaren and their Italian rivals opted for a high-risk strategy that ultimately derailed their race prospects from the get-go.
When the race finally resumed after a lengthy rain delay, the circuit's surface offered a deceptive illusion of drying out. Ferrari rolled the dice on soft compound slicks, while the papaya squad opted for mediums, only to realize the tarmac remained far too slick once the safety car peeled away.
Realization struck early for Oscar Piastri, who smartly ducked into the pitlane ahead of the standing start to switch back to intermediate rubber. Unfortunately, Lando Norris and the red cars doubled down on their gamble, instantly dropping positions as inter-shod rivals stormed past.
Norris later explained that pre-race reconnaissance laps made the slick choice look convincing because the green-walled intermediates were shredding heavily on Sepang's abrasive surface. Theory, however, did not match the unforgiving reality of the damp asphalt.
It wasn't until lap eight that slick lap times finally matched the intermediate pace. By then, the massive time loss had already dealt a fatal blow to both teams' ambitions on a truly chaotic afternoon.
Baca Juga
Mercedes terpaksa menghapus postingan candaan tentang Ferrari setelah dikoreksi warganet terkait masalah power unit massal di GP Malaysia.
Lewis Hamilton bergurau soal kasino usai menyelamatkan podium Formula 1 di Bahrain GP Malaysia lewat aksi comeback gemilang bersama Ferrari.
Analisis pemenang dan pecundang F1 GP Bahrain 2026 di Sepang. Max Verstappen gemilang di puncak, sementara George Russell alami akhir pekan yang pahit.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!