Lando Norris has predicted that the grand prix around the Sepang International Circuit this weekend will be a "chaotic" showcase.
The Asian track is making its first appearance on the F1 schedule in nine years, albeit under the Bahrain Grand Prix title, rather than Malaysia.
The sport has undergone significant changes since its last visit to the region and is currently in the first year of a new regulation cycle.
With the batteries having a major say in the wheel-to-wheel battles this year, overtakes have been aplenty at the energy-starved tracks.
Norris thinks this will be the case once again in Sepang this weekend, suggesting it could have similarities to the events at Monza.
"Honestly, I think next weekend [in Malaysia] will be pretty chaotic in terms of racing because of the straights and corner setup that you have there.
"So next weekend you'll see, in some ways, a similar vibe to Monza in some ways."
Norris recalls previous Sepang experience
More than half of the grid did not race in Malaysia the last time it was on the circuit in 2017.
Despite arriving to the sport two years after it dropped from the calendar, Norris detailed that it is not completely new to him.
"I'm excited for it," he said. "I've seen many races of it when I was younger.
"I remember doing sim support for Fernando and Stoffel when they raced there many years ago. I remember going into the factory at midnight, or whatever stupid time it was, and driving until 7 AM just to support the guys.
"So it's not like I'd say completely new to me, but it'll be a first time going to the circuit itself, which is exciting.
"The only thing that's not exciting is because you have no battery. The two high-speed corners that should be high-speed, you run out of battery.
"That takes away a little bit of the character that I think you should have at such an incredible track.
"Otherwise, it's a new place, and I'm looking forward to another new challenge."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on the Azerbaijan GP but also look ahead to F1's return this weekend to Malaysia! Rumours linking Christian Horner with a return to the sport is a major talking point.
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