2016 Malaysian Grand Prix
Ricciardo wins as Hamilton's engine fails in Malaysia
The 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix (formally known as the 2016 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix) was a Formula One motor race held on 2 October 2016 at the Sepang International Circuit in Selangor, Malaysia. The race marked the thirty-fifth running of the Malaysian Grand Prix and the eighteenth time that the race had been run as a World Championship event since the first race in 1999.
Quick Facts
- Circuit
- Sepang International Circuit
- Date
- October 2, 2016
- Winner
- Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
- Mercedes result
- Double Retirement (Hamilton & Rosberg)
- Championship context
- Mid-season turning point for 2016 title fight
- Significance
- Ended Mercedes' 16-race winning streak
Lore & Background
Daniel Ricciardo won the race, with teammate Max Verstappen finishing second to secure Red Bull Racing's first 1–2 finish since the introduction of hybrid engines and the team's last one until the 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Rosberg completed the podium, extending his championship lead to twenty-three points following the retirement of Lewis Hamilton. This was Ricciardo's first win since the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix.
Reader's Guide
The race was moved from its March date to October to allow organisers the opportunity to upgrade the circuit. The circuit was resurfaced, while drainage was improved to decrease the possibility of standing water from forming on the circuit. Nine corners were re-profiled, introducing negative camber to emphasise mechanical rather than aerodynamic grip, and the drop at the apex of turn two removed. At the start, Sebastian Vettel collided with Nico Rosberg, causing Rosberg to spin to the back of the grid while Vettel retired with suspension damage. On lap 8, Romain Grosjean spun into the gravel trap due to brake failure. On lap 41, Lewis Hamilton's engine failed while he was in the lead, forcing him to retire. Daniel Ricciardo inherited the lead and won, with Max Verstappen second and Nico Rosberg third.
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