2016 Malaysian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Rosberg leads Hamilton by 8 points after reclaiming the championship lead in Singapore.

Previous race

Rosberg won Singapore from pole, holding off a late charge from Ricciardo by less than half a second. Hamilton struggled with mechanical issues and driving errors in qualifying and finished third. Rosberg’s win turned a two-point deficit into an eight-point lead.

Track changes

The race was moved from its original March slot to October to allow time for circuit upgrades. The Sepang International Circuit has been resurfaced, drainage has been improved to reduce standing water, nine corners have been re-profiled with negative camber to emphasise mechanical grip, and the elevation change at the apex of turn two has been removed.

Penalties

Fernando Alonso carries a 45-place grid penalty for unscheduled power unit element changes.