Max Verstappen became the latest driver to wilt in the heat of Malaysia on Friday, collapsing in the back of the garage after first practice.

The 19-year-old was forced to celebrate his birthday in temperatures as high as 35 degrees, which proved too much after the morning's running.

Verstappen, who has taken Formula One by storm this year, keeled over in the back of the Red Bull garage after becoming dehydrated in the sweltering heat.

Earlier in the day Kevin Magnussen's Renault caught fire in the pit lane credit: 2016 Getty Images

But Verstappen recovered in time for the second session, and his performance was evidently not affected. He finished the afternoon session fifth, three places ahead of his team-mate, Daniel Ricciardo.

The Dutchman is not the first driver to suffer in the punishing heat and humidity of Sepang. Most arrive here several days early to prepare for the gruelling challenge.

Kevin Magnussen suffered from another sort of heat, when his car caught fire in the pit lane. Despite repeated attempts by mechanics to dampen the flames, the fire continued as fuel spewed out the top of his Renault. The Dane had to miss the entire first session but went out on track in the afternoon.