{
  "id": 11543354,
  "title": "Verstappen takes a gamble on medium tyres to beat the rain at Sepang",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/verstappen-takes-a-gamble-on-medium-tyres-to-beat-the-rain-at-sepang",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T22:43:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1546510/verstappen-takes-gamble-medium-tyres-beat-rain-sepang"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the Bahrain Grand Prix's second practice session in Malaysia, Max Verstappen opted for a unique strategy. He refused to utilize soft tyres, instead undertaking an extensive run using mediums, anticipating rain during the upcoming Sunday race. Despite finishing fourth quickest, behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and his Red Bull teammate, Max, he gleaned crucial data and understanding of the impending conditions. He expressed that although it was challenging, it was a positive start, citing the track's extreme heat and rapid degradation as significant factors. Verstappen had anticipated rain, and this decision aimed to prepare for potential adverse weather. McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who was sixth, praised Red Bull's top performance, suggesting a closely contested race amongst the leading teams. Mercedes' George Russell and championship leader Kimi Antolinelli placed seventh and eighth, respectively. They seemed impressed by Red Bull's pace, but acknowledged the teams' varying levels of competitiveness. They were unsure about the impact of Mercedes' recent upgrades, stating it was difficult to quantify the performance change.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: Max Verstappen chose to go his own way on Friday when he rejected using soft tyres to embark on a long run on mediums in fear of rain in second practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}