What happened: A longer-than-expected Virtual Safety Car period at Sepang International Circuit prompted a wave of pit stops. Max Verstappen stayed out to inherit first place while the two Mercedes cars opted for service.

Why it matters: Isack Hadjar's corresponding pit stop dropped him into a track-position battle. The sequence shuffled the running order, slotting Oscar Piastri directly between Hadjar and Lewis Hamilton.

What to watch: Verstappen converted the advantage into a race win, while Hamilton recovered to claim third on the podium.