Bahrain’s 2024 Grand Prix will run on Malaysia’s Sepang circuit, with drivers warning that the heat will throw tyre performance into chaos.
Severe heat threatens to destabilise track temperatures
Mercedes driver George Russell said Sepang’s 35‑degree atmosphere will push tyres past their ideal temperature range, making overtaking harder than on other circuits.
“In Melb, Silverstone and Monza there wasn’t significant tyre overheating, so drivers could sit within a second of each other,” Russell told reporters. “At Sepang you’ll be overheating even on a qualifying out‑lap, a real unknown.”
Sand‑paper surface and high degradation worries
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri echoed concerns, noting the track’s abrasive, “sandpaper” feel will likely accelerate tyre wear, especially following rain‑cleansing showers.
Piastri added that the lack of recent racing or long runs at the circuit makes it difficult to predict degradation rates, hinting at a challenging weekend for all teams.
Practice sessions will decide the outcome
Friday’s runs will be crucial as Mercedes assesses tyre longevity and drivers, many of whom haven’t tackled Sepang before, acclimate to its pitch and humidity.
Long straights could give the Red Bull‑powered machines a strategic edge if they manage tyre temperatures better, setting the tone for Sunday’s start.
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