Mercedes driver Antonelli calls Sepang suitable for wet running — Cyprus Mail

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli said that the Sepang circuit in Malaysia could be a good venue for the first test of 2026 Formula 1 cars in wet conditions. According to him, the circuit’s coarse and open surface drains water well and could reduce the risk of aquaplaning, Cyprus Mail reports.

Antonelli noted that not much water should accumulate on the track unless there is a heavy downpour. He called Sepang’s asphalt the coarsest he has ever seen and explained that water seeps between the stones in the surface rather than remaining on top.

Tyre wear and overheating

Tyre supplier Pirelli warned teams about challenging conditions at Sepang, describing the surface as relatively abrasive and comparing its roughness to the Bahrain circuit. McLaren driver Oscar Piastri also expects significant tyre wear, calling the surface similar to sandpaper.

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Antonelli’s teammate and championship rival George Russell, who trails him by 66 points, expressed concern about possible tyre overheating in dry weather. In his assessment, the tyres could overheat already on the out lap in qualifying, which could complicate close racing on track and attempts to regain a position after being overtaken.

Formula 1 returns to Sepang

Sepang will host a Formula 1 race for the first time since 2017 after the International Automobile Federation moved the Bahrain Grand Prix because of tensions in the Middle East. Due to the long break, teams have no substantial data on how the current generation of cars performs at this circuit.

Antonelli is aiming to recover after what he described as his worst weekend of the season in Baku. There, he crashed the car in qualifying, finished 16th in the session, and came fifth in the race. The driver said that the round taught him to reduce risks in certain situations, capitalize on rivals’ mistakes and bring the race to the finish.