{
  "id": 11438935,
  "title": "Russell, Verstappen search for answers after punishing Sepang practice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/russell-verstappen-search-for-answers-after-punishing-sepang-practice",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T12:41:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1546388/russell-verstappen-search-answers-after-punishing-sepang"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mercedes' George Russell and Red Bull's Max Verstappen found the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) a challenging venue during the opening two free practice sessions of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The extreme heat and heavy tyre wear posed difficulties for both drivers and their teams as they worked on the car's setup for the upcoming race.\n\nRussell, who was making his first appearance at Sepang, admitted that Mercedes had yet to find the right balance. Verstappen, who won the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix at the same circuit, also acknowledged the difficulties posed by the track's extreme conditions, stating that Red Bull still had plenty to figure out.\n\nDespite the tough challenges, both drivers expressed their admiration for the iconic circuit, with Russell saying it was a \"really iconic place\" and Verstappen noting that it was \"positive\" despite the difficulties. Both teams will continue to work on their cars' setup in the hopes of improving their performance in the upcoming free practice session and qualifying.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: Mercedes driver George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen found the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) a demanding challenge during today’s opening two free practice sessions, with soaring temperatures and heavy tyre degradation making it difficult to find the right set-up for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.",
  "key_points": [
    "Extreme heat and heavy tyre wear challenged Sepang circuit",
    "George Russell and Max Verstappen struggled with car setup",
    "Both drivers praised iconic circuit despite difficulties"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Verstappen takes different tyre gamble as rain threatens at Sepang",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/verstappen-takes-different-tyre-gamble-as-rain-threatens-at-sepang",
        "published": "2026-10-02T11:49:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Ferrari’s Leclerc fastest in 2nd practice session at Sepang",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/ferraris-leclerc-fastest-in-2nd-practice-session-at-sepang",
        "published": "2026-10-02T12:33:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}