The focus remains firmly on the all-Mercedes title battle. Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers' championship on 302 points, but George Russell's victory in Baku reduced the gap to 66 points.
With just eight race weekends remaining and momentum suddenly swinging toward the Briton, the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia could prove to be the weekend that either reignites the fight for the crown or allows Antonelli to tighten his grip on a maiden world championship.
In the constructors' championship, Mercedes hold a commanding advantage with 538 points, well clear of Ferrari.
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Sunday, 04 October. SS Motorsport, SS Motorsport, Maximo 1
Race: 8:55am
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KEY STORYLINES
RUSSELL'S MOMENTUM
Russell arrives at Sepang fresh from his third victory of the season after edging Max Verstappen in a dramatic finish at Baku. Another win would increase pressure on Antonelli heading into the final stretch.
ANTONELLI'S RESPONSE
Despite starting only 16th in Azerbaijan, Antonelli recovered to fifth and limited the damage. The championship leader will be eager to reassert control of the title race.
RED BULL RESURGENCE
Red Bull Racing enjoyed one of their strongest weekends of the year in Baku, with Verstappen finishing second and Isack Hadjar third. If that pace carries over to Sepang, they could challenge Mercedes for victory.
FERRARI SEEKING ANSWERS
While Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc scored useful points in Azerbaijan, Ferrari were unable to match Mercedes and Red Bull for outright race pace.
MCLAREN UNDER PRESSURE
The reigning constructors' champions endured a nightmare in Baku, with Lando Norris retiring and Oscar Piastri finishing outside the points. They need a strong response to stay in touch with Ferrari in the standings.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SEPANG
Sepang is known for its long straights, fast sweeping corners and typically hot, humid conditions.
The circuit traditionally rewards aerodynamic efficiency, tyre management and strong race pace, providing multiple overtaking opportunities.
While 2026 machinery has never raced there in championship conditions, the layout is expected to produce close racing and strategic variety.
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