What happened: Cars took to the Sepang International Circuit on Friday for the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, the series' first on-track running there since 2017. Mercedes arrived with a special livery and seven upgrades for the W17, including a new floor and sidepods.

Why it matters: The return puts Formula 1 back in Malaysia after Bahrain's cancellation reshaped the schedule for round 16 of the triple-header. Mercedes' update package, outlined in Wire Report's earlier look at the W17 changes, is one of the weekend's main competitive variables.

What to watch: Practice pace will show whether Mercedes' revised package translates into lap time at Sepang. Qualifying should provide the clearest early read on the pecking order at the circuit's return.