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Ferrari prepares for tire degradation challenges at Sepang

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 8:48 AM

Last updated Oct 2, 2026

Ferrari prepares for tire degradation challenges at Sepang

Summary

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized the need to prioritize race pace as the team heads into the weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Sepang International Circuit presents a unique challenge after a series of low-degradation tracks, requiring a shift from previous setups. Early practice saw Max Verstappen of Red Bull setting the pace, followed by Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Vasseur highlighted the challenges of tire wear that will characterize the race environment. The team is currently second in the constructors' standings, trailing Mercedes by 160 points.

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Status Watch

•Ferrari focuses on race pace to address tire degradation at Sepang
•Max Verstappen tops first practice session ahead of Leclerc
•Team sits 160 points behind Mercedes in the constructors' championship
•Vasseur recognizes need for setup adjustments from previous races

Latest Updates

8:48 AMYahoo Sports — Ferrari faces new Sepang challenge as Fred Vasseur reveals weekend focus
8:48 AMMotorsport.com — Ferrari faces new Sepang challenge as Fred Vasseur reveals weekend focus

What they're saying

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Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has given an insight into what fans of the Maranello outfit should expect from this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Frenchman explained that the team must focus its set-up entirely on race pace to combat severe tyre degradation. Following a run of low-degradation street circuits and high-speed tracks, Formula 1's return to the Sepang ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com