Russell urges Mercedes to tackle tyre wear after Sepang practice

RacingNews365 reported that Mercedes was the fourth-fastest team in second practice at Sepang on 2 October, with Russell seventh and team-mate Kimi Antonelli eighth. The outlet described the circuit surface as abrasive and track temperatures as high.

Russell said tyre degradation was a major concern in those conditions and that Mercedes needed to work overnight to improve its tyre management. He attributed the team's position to a car set-up that was not in the right window, rather than to its upgrades, while acknowledging that the effect of new parts can be difficult to isolate.

Russell judged Max Verstappen quickest over a single lap and McLaren strongest on longer runs at that stage of the weekend.