# Mercedes' Sepang Pace Deficit Explained

> Mercedes' W17 update struggled at Sepang due to track surface issues and tyre heat.
- Title: Mercedes' Sepang Pace Deficit Explained · Autosport | Shortify
- Summary: Mercedes' W17 update struggled at Sepang due to track surface issues and tyre heat. Mercedes' W17 underperformed at Sepang because of rough track surface…
- Keywords: mercedes, w17, sepang, bahrain gp, tyre heat, aerodynamic issues, formula 1, sports, cars, Mercedes', Pace, Deficit
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/the-mechanisms-at-play-behind-mercedes-difficult-bahrain-gp-weekend/10862473
- Author: Jake Boxall-Legge
- Published: 2026-10-06T09:54:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mercedes, w17, sepang, f1, bahrain gp, tyre heat, aerodynamic issues, formula 1, sports, cars
## Mercedes' W17 Update at Sepang
Mercedes introduced a revised floor and sidepod package for F1's first visit to Sepang in nine years but struggled to unlock top-line pace.
## Drivers' Unusual Inputs
Drivers had to use unusual throttle inputs in slow corners to get the car to bite due to track temperature and surface interactions.
## Tyre Heat Problem
Sepang's rough surface caused excess tyre heat through mechanical strain as tyres filled gaps in the track.
## Aerodynamic Impact
Track surface texture altered airflow under the car, causing turbulence and separation in the boundary layer.
## Mercedes' Response
Mercedes will work on understanding the update's performance for Singapore and next year's car development.
## George Russell's Power Unit
George Russell retired from Bahrain GP due to a powertrain mechanical failure, losing 15 points.
## Tyre and Aerodynamic Challenges
Sepang's surface caused both tyre heat issues and aerodynamic problems affecting Mercedes' performance.
## Next Steps for Mercedes
Mercedes will investigate the root cause of the powertrain failure and improve W17 performance for Singapore.
## Key takeaway

Mercedes' W17 underperformed at Sepang because of rough track surface causing tyre heat and aerodynamic issues.