Source: Official Team Post via X
Verstappen Sets the Pace in Malaysia: FP1 Bahrain Grand Prix Results
Max Verstappen led the first practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, ahead of George Russell and teammate Isack Hadjar. The return to Sepang brought fresh challenges for many drivers unfamiliar with the track.
Max Verstappen made a strong start to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, held in Malaysia this year, by topping the timesheets in the first practice session. The Red Bull driver clocked the fastest time, maintaining his reputation as the last winner at Sepang back in 2017. He was followed by Mercedes' George Russell and fellow Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar.
The Sepang International Circuit, making a return to the F1 calendar after a lengthy hiatus since 2017, presented a fresh challenge for many on the grid who had never raced there. This first practice was crucial for drivers to familiarize themselves with the track. Franco Colapinto was first out, opting for soft tyres, a choice shared by Arvid Lindblad from Racing Bulls, who is set to start from the back due to a power unit change.
Verstappen set the early benchmark, with Russell closely trailing and enjoying the newfound challenge, describing the track as "very cool" over the radio. Kimi Antonelli, in an upgraded Mercedes sporting a special PETRONAS tribute livery, was third early on but slipped to fifth by the end. Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto noted the high temperatures adding an additional layer of difficulty.
As the session wore on, drivers swapped to softer tyres. Hadjar briefly took the top spot, only for Verstappen to reclaim it with a lap of 1m 37.520s, a comfortable margin ahead of Russell. Pierre Gasly, with a purple first sector, managed to place seventh for Alpine.
McLaren took a different approach, running varied rear wing configurations, seeking redemption from their recent struggles in Azerbaijan. As the session neared its end, Russell and Antonelli returned to medium tyres, with Antonelli having a slight off-track moment.
The session concluded with Verstappen leading the pack, followed by Russell and Hadjar. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were fourth and sixth, respectively, with Antonelli sandwiched between them. The top ten was rounded out by Gasly, Lawson, Lindblad, and Audi's Nico Hulkenberg. McLaren's Piastri and Norris finished just outside the top ten, while the likes of Alonso, Ocon, and Bearman followed. Williams' Albon, Aston Martin's Stroll, and the Cadillacs of Bottas and Perez completed the field.
Teams and drivers now have time to analyze their data before heading into Free Practice 2 later in the day. The session promises more insights as everyone continues to adapt to the unique challenges of the Sepang circuit.