Max Verstappen avoided soft tires in second practice due to potential rain concerns.

Max Verstappen chose not to complete a qualifying simulation run on soft tires during second practice at Malaysia's Sepang circuit, citing concerns about potential rain affecting the session. The Red Bull driver had topped first practice using only soft compounds but switched to mediums for the second session.

Verstappen fell to fourth place in the session after teammate Isack Hadjar set a faster time on soft tires, finishing less than a tenth behind pace-setter Charles Leclerc. The four-time world champion explained he wanted to focus on long-run preparation in case weather conditions changed.

Red Bull showed strong form across both practice sessions after the team's best result of the season in Baku the previous weekend. Verstappen described the start as decent despite the challenging hot conditions and high tire degradation at the Malaysian venue.