Max Verstappen explains FP2 strategy during Malaysian GP practice sessions
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 10:10 AM
Last updated Oct 2, 2026
Max Verstappen finished fourth in FP2 at the Sepang International Circuit on October 2, 2026, after opting to forego a soft-tyre run, focusing instead on medium tyres for a long run in anticipation of potential rain. Charles Leclerc topped the session with a time of 1:37.528 on softs, while Verstappen's time was 0.257 seconds slower. Verstappen noted that understanding tyre degradation in the hot conditions at Sepang is important for the race, and cautioned against assuming Red Bull's progress based on the practice sessions. The team must analyze further before determining the effectiveness of their setup.
- •Verstappen skipped soft-tyre run to assess medium tyre performance.
- •Leclerc was fastest in FP2, followed by Red Bull's Isack Hadjar.
- •Hot track conditions raise concerns about tyre degradation.
- •Verstappen emphasizes the need for further analysis of performance.
- •FP1 saw Verstappen topping the timesheets earlier that day.
- 10:10 AMYahoo Sports — Max Verstappen explains FP2 decision as he sends cautious Red Bull message to fans
- 10:10 AMMotorsport.com — Max Verstappen explains FP2 decision as he sends cautious Red Bull message to fans
"Formula 1's return to Sepang International Circuit saw Max Verstappen topping Friday's FP1, and that was enough to get fans buzzing about a repeat of his 2017 win at this track. Then FP2 ended, and the Dutchman finished fourth on the timesheets. Obvious practice caveats apply, but let's jump into what the four-time champion thought of his performance today. Why no soft tyre stint? Verstappen ...Keep reading
"Max Verstappen explained why he skipped a soft-tyre run in Malaysia FP2 before playing down Red Bull’s apparent progress after a strong Friday at Sepang
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 2, 2026, 10:10 AMMax Verstappen explains FP2 decision as he sends cautious Red Bull message to fans
Max Verstappen explained why he skipped a soft-tyre run in Malaysia FP2 before playing down Red Bull’s apparent progress after a strong Friday at Sepang
- Motorsport.comOct 2, 2026, 10:10 AMMax Verstappen explains FP2 decision as he sends cautious Red Bull message to fans
Formula 1's return to Sepang International Circuit saw Max Verstappen topping Friday's FP1, and that was enough to get fans buzzing about a repeat of his 2017 win at this track. Then FP2 ended, and the Dutchman finished fourth on the timesheets. Obvious practice caveats apply, but let's jump into what the four-time champion thought of his performance today. Why no soft tyre stint? Verstappen ...Keep reading
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