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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Giles Richards

Mercedes put team first as Russell and Antonelli face off on F1’s return to Sepang

Mercedes' George Russell signs autographs for fans ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix
George Russell receives a fervent welcome from fans in Sepang. Photograph: Annice Lyn/Reuters

While the byzantine nomenclature of this weekend’s “Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia” will have Formula One’s statisticians muttering darkly under their breath for years to come, the import of the sport’s return to the Sepang circuit remains all too straightforward at the sharp end. Complicated only perhaps by a Red Bull resurgence and an enthused Max Verstappen, determined to make his mark on the championship run-in.

The return to Malaysia for its first race since 2017 has been welcomed in F1. It is a much-liked circuit among drivers, albeit the high temperatures and humidity make for an enormous physical challenge.

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