Formula One race in Malaysia marked by delayed start, wet conditions and safety car periods

The Malaysian Grand Prix, held at the Sepang circuit, was delayed by a series of procedural issues before the race could begin. Initial attempts to start the event were hampered by lingering rain, requiring the use of intermediate tyres for a few laps before the track was dried and slicks were introduced. Multiple safety-car deployments followed, extending the pre-race period and reducing the number of racing laps.

Commentators highlighted concerns about the handling of lapped cars during safety-car restarts, describing the process as inefficient and detrimental to on-track action. One analyst suggested that moving lapped cars to the back of the field, even if it limited their chances of rejoining the lead lap, would streamline restarts.

The race also sparked debate over Formula One’s approach to wet-weather racing. Critics noted that the new 2026 power units appeared less suited to low-grip conditions and that the event’s brief wet segment was curtailed by a lengthy delay and rapid tyre changes, limiting opportunities for drivers to demonstrate skill in rain.

Despite the disruptions, Max Verstappen delivered a strong performance, taking the lead early and maintaining a pace that kept him ahead of his rivals. Lewis Hamilton recovered from an early tyre mistake to climb from 16th to fifth place, while Fernando Alonso secured a points finish for his team. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth after an early pit stop for a new front wing.

The mixed-condition start and subsequent dry race left the top ten finishers largely unchanged from expectations, but the event’s procedural challenges have prompted calls for the FIA to review safety-car protocols and to preserve classic circuits like Sepang on the calendar.