Max Verstappen is expecting a tough challenge at the Malaysian Grand Prix as Red Bull look for a repeat of last year's result.

Mercedes dominated proceedings last season but it was Red Bull who took the honours in Sepang, with Daniel Ricciardo claiming the chequered flag and Verstappen coming home second.

This year it has been Ferrari who have challenged Mercedes and, with six Grands Prix left to go, Sebastian Vettel trails Lewis Hamilton by 28 points in the drivers' standings.

Ricciardo is fourth behind Valtteri Bottas while Verstappen is down in sixth after a disappointing campaign.

The Dutchman hopes for a better return in the Far East next time out during what he knows will be another tricky weekend.

"Last year we had a one-two in Malaysia," he said. "Daniel and I had a good wheel-to-wheel battle, we gave each other just enough room which provided some good action for the crowd and a great result for the team.

"Both Singapore and Malaysia are very hot and humid races, being one after the other means you can at least tailor your training for those conditions, but it will still be physically tough.

"It’s also challenging for the pit crew in their overalls, they get very hot and I’m sure they also lose a few kilos over the weekend."