Eight teams change engines

Eight of the ten teams have changed their drivers' engines ahead of the hot and humid Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend. This year, engine rules state that each driver is entitled to eight units over the course of the season, whereas last year's regulations forced engines to have to last for two Grands Prix distances. All teams bar McLaren and Toro Rosso have changed the engines of their two drivers for Sepang, with the other sixteen already making use of their fresh powerplants.

The Mercedes engines for McLaren and Ferraris for the Toro Rosso cars will, therefore, be the same components as run in last weekend's Australian Grand Prix; although the four drivers will have to work harder to preserve their races this Sunday, they may find themselves with an advantage towards the end of the season by being able to introduce their sixth and seventh engines earlier than their competitors.