Despite introducing their initial major aerodynamic update package since the Canadian Grand Prix in May, Mercedes encountered unexpected difficulties at the Sepang International Circuit. Sweltering ambient heat and an unusually abrasive asphalt surface severely hampered the Silver Arrows, who entered the event following three consecutive victories. Explaining their struggles, George Russell remarked to Sky Sports F1: “It’s a very demanding circuit on the tyres, the tarmac is all broke up, it’s extremely rough, it’s so hot out there and the tyres are going through hell” before adding, “For whatever reason, it seems to be affecting us far more than others.” Consequently, the British driver struggled for speed all through Saturday, finishing down in seventh position.
Points leader Kimi Antonelli, who holds a 66-point advantage over team-mate Russell in the standings, managed fourth in qualifying after a Q2 track-limits violation forced him to burn a fresh set of rubber early. With only a single new set of soft compounds remaining for Q3, the Italian youngster ended up half a second adrift of the top benchmark. Behind him, Charles Leclerc guided his Ferrari to fifth, while McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could not join the fight for the front row. Pierre Gasly placed ninth for Alpine ahead of Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto in tenth, as Aston Martin achieved their strongest Saturday since the summer break with Fernando Alonso in 12th and Lance Stroll in 14th. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson ended up 11th after receiving a slipstream from Racing Bulls colleague Arvid Lindblad, who
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