Antonelli eager to ‘re-establish order’ as F1 returns to Malaysia

Kimi Antonelli, with the ambition to become Italy’s first champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953, is eager to restore order to his dominant position in the Formula One drivers' championship as the sport returns to Malaysia. Sepang International Circuit will host the race, replacing Bahrain due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The 20-year-old Antonelli leads Mercedes teammate George Russell by 66 points, after Russell's victory in Baku. Despite a crash in qualifying caused by a hydraulics failure, Antonelli aims to regain his usual level of performance. Antonelli acknowledged that Russell is his rival, but he is determined to re-establish the order and prove himself.

Russell, on the other hand, plans to secure victories in all remaining eight race weekends this season. Despite being unfamiliar with the Sepang circuit, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and teammate Isaac Hadjar demonstrated their speed and power in Baku. Ferrari and McLaren are also expected to be significant contenders at Sepang, with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur confident in his team's ability to push for every remaining point.

World champion Lando Norris of McLaren apologized for his comment about banning French driver Franco Colapinto, and Vasseur expressed his full confidence in Alonso, who is aiming for his fourth Sepang victory. Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion, will be seeking to add to their records at the circuit.

The race, currently still officially called the Bahrain Grand Prix, will feature both familiar and new challenges for the drivers.