Key Highlights
- Max Verstappen set the fastest time in Free Practice 1 for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
- George Russell finished second, with Isack Hadjar third for Red Bull’s sister team.
- Free Practice 2 is scheduled for 1600 local time after teams review their opening-session data.
Verstappen leads Russell and Hadjar in opening practice
Max Verstappen topped the timesheets during the opening practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, putting Red Bull ahead of George Russell and Isack Hadjar. Verstappen recorded a fastest lap of 1m 37.520s, finishing nearly four tenths of a second clear of Russell.
The session provided an important first opportunity for drivers to reacquaint themselves with the Sepang International Circuit, which last hosted a Formula 1 event in 2017. Several drivers on the current grid had never previously driven at the Malaysian venue.
Franco Colapinto led the field onto the circuit when the session began at 1230 local time. The Alpine driver was among a small group using soft tyres, while most of the field started on the medium compound. Arvid Lindblad was another driver on the soft tyres, with Racing Bulls reporting that he would take a fifth power unit this weekend, leaving him likely to start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.
Mercedes shows pace as teams evaluate upgrades
Verstappen was fastest at the 15-minute mark, with Russell in second and Kimi Antonelli in third. Russell appeared to be enjoying the challenge of learning Sepang, telling Mercedes over team radio: “This track is very cool.” Mercedes brought an upgrade to the event and also introduced a special livery paying tribute to title partner PETRONAS.
Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto commented on the high temperatures as drivers dealt with hot and humid conditions. Verstappen remained at the front halfway through the session, while Lindblad briefly moved into third to split the two Mercedes cars. The order changed as more drivers switched to the soft tyres, with Hadjar moving fastest before Russell reclaimed the top position.
Verstappen then improved again to set the benchmark of 1m 37.520s. Antonelli could rise no higher than fifth, while a strong first sector helped Pierre Gasly move into seventh for Alpine. McLaren ran different rear wings on Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as the team looked for a stronger weekend following a difficult end to its race in Azerbaijan.
Ferrari drivers finish inside the top six
As the final quarter of the session began, Russell and Antonelli were among the drivers returning to the medium tyres. Antonelli appeared to be pushing hard, with replays showing the championship leader having a wide moment on the track. The closing stages also featured a brief on-track contest between Esteban Ocon and Carlos Sainz.
Verstappen held first place when the chequered flag fell, followed by Russell and Hadjar. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and sixth for Ferrari, with Antonelli splitting them in fifth. Gasly, Liam Lawson, Lindblad and Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10.
Piastri and Norris placed 11th and 12th for McLaren, ahead of Bortoleto, Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin and the Haas pairing of Ocon and Ollie Bearman. Williams driver Alex Albon was 17th, followed by Lance Stroll of Aston Martin, Colapinto, Sainz in the Williams, and the Cadillac drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
Why This Matters
The opening practice session gave teams their first meaningful data at a circuit that has been absent from the Formula 1 calendar since 2017. The unfamiliar layout for many drivers, combined with high temperatures and humid conditions, makes tyre management, car balance and adaptation to the venue key areas for analysis.
Mercedes will also assess the performance of its upgrade and PETRONAS tribute livery weekend, while McLaren will compare the different rear-wing configurations used by Piastri and Norris. Racing Bulls must prepare for the likely grid penalty affecting Lindblad after his reported fifth power-unit change. Teams and drivers will reconvene for Free Practice 2 at 1600 local time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was fastest in Free Practice 1?
Max Verstappen was fastest for Red Bull with a lap of 1m 37.520s.
Who finished behind Max Verstappen?
George Russell finished second and Isack Hadjar was third. Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly also finished inside the top seven.
When is Free Practice 2?
Free Practice 2 is scheduled to begin at 1600 local time after teams examine the data from the opening session.
