F1 driver Kimi cools off at waterpark before turning up heat at Sepang

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 1, 2026

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is preparing for the Formula One return to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit this weekend, adapting to the hot and humid conditions while anticipating challenging weather. The race could see teams confronting heavy rain and significant tyre wear on the abrasive track, potentially requiring the first use of wet tyres this season and demanding cautious strategies.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has been acclimating to Malaysia’s climate ahead of Formula One’s return to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this weekend. The 20-year-old Italian, who currently leads the championship, took some downtime at a local waterpark on Tuesday before preparing for the upcoming race, marking the first F1 event at the circuit since 2017.

Antonelli described the waterpark visit as enjoyable due to the low crowd levels, allowing him to repeatedly go down the slides. He also took the opportunity to explore Kuala Lumpur, commenting positively on the city and noting he has been adjusting to the weather and humidity in preparation for the demanding conditions anticipated on track.

The Sepang circuit faces unpredictable weather conditions during race weekends, with heavy rain forecasted over the three days of the Malaysian Grand Prix. Antonelli highlighted tyre wear as a key concern for Mercedes and other teams, given the circuit’s aged tarmac, which is known to be abrasive and causes significant tyre degradation. While energy management is not a major worry, the driver stated that teams will likely face challenges due to the wet conditions expected.

Despite rain predictions for earlier days not materializing, heavy showers remain a possibility, consistent with the track’s history of sudden and intense downpours. The SIC’s volatile weather notably led to the red-flagging of the 2009 Grand Prix on lap 32 owing to torrential rain.

This weekend could be the first occasion this season where teams use wet tyres, as all previous races have been held under dry conditions so far. Antonelli acknowledged that limited experience with wet tyres on current car models could present a complex situation for the entire grid. He emphasized that adapting to these conditions will require caution and careful strategy throughout the event.

The return of the Sepang International Circuit to the Formula One calendar marks a notable moment for the series, as drivers and teams contend not only with the circuit’s technical demands but also the region’s challenging and changeable weather patterns.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.