Summary
- Verstappen joked about months of mental preparation when asked about Sepang’s physical demands.
- The Dutchman believes drivers must become comfortable racing in uncomfortable conditions.
- Red Bull arrives in Malaysia still searching for its first victory of the season.
Max Verstappen joked that his preparation for Sepang’s heat involved months of learning “not giving an fuck”, dismissing suggestions that Malaysia’s demanding conditions required an exceptional approach before the return of Formula 1 to the circuit.
Speaking during Thursday’s press conference at Sepang, the Red Bull driver was asked about the physical challenge of racing in the heat and humidity, particularly during a sequence of three consecutive grand prix weekends.
“I think I had four or five months of very intense preparation,” Verstappen joked. “Deep mental preparation of not giving an fuck,” he added.
The response drew laughter, but Verstappen’s underlying point was straightforward: uncomfortable conditions are part of the job, and every driver must deal with them.
He compared Malaysia’s humidity with conditions experienced in Monaco and explained that sauna and steam-room sessions can help drivers become accustomed to heat. Rather than treating Sepang as an entirely different physical challenge, he favoured accepting the discomfort and getting on with the weekend.
Verstappen also joked that the sweating would require packing additional underwear, keeping his answer light-hearted despite the demanding conditions awaiting the field.
Verstappen still wants a first win in 2026
The relaxed response contrasted with Verstappen’s determination to turn Red Bull’s recent improvement into a victory.
Six podium finishes in the last eight race weekends have improved his results, but the Dutchman remains without a grand prix win this season. Finishing near the front has not satisfied his ambition.
Sepang provides a familiar setting for that pursuit. Verstappen won the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017, beating Lewis Hamilton to claim the second victory of his Formula 1 career.
However, Mercedes’ latest upgrade makes the task more difficult, while the circuit’s abrasive surface introduces another challenge. Tyre degradation and energy management could influence how competitive Red Bull remains across a race distance.
For Verstappen, the heat is therefore one part of a broader test: coping with the conditions while finding enough performance to challenge for victory.
Formula 1 returns this weekend, from 2–4 October, to Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.
F1 today: FAQ
What time does F1 practice start at Sepang?
Friday practice begins on 2 October. FP1 starts at 05:30 BST in the UK, 10:00 IST in India and 14:30 AEST in Sydney and Melbourne. In New York and Toronto, it starts at 00:30 EDT; in Los Angeles and Vancouver, at 21:30 PDT on Thursday. FP2 begins three and a half hours later.
Is Esteban Ocon leaving Haas and retiring from F1?
Ocon will leave Haas at the end of 2026, but says he intends to remain in Formula 1. He has not announced retirement and would consider a reserve role while seeking another race seat.
What happened to Oscar Piastri at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?
Piastri was running near the front in Baku before a mistake during a Safety Car restart dropped him out of podium contention. He finished 14th, adding to a difficult 2026 season for the McLaren driver.
What did Verstappen say about preparing for Sepang’s heat?
Verstappen joked about spending four or five months preparing mentally to stop worrying about the conditions.
