Max Verstappen tops Sepang opening practice for Bahrain GP
- More on this story: Max Verstappen Returns to Sepang for Unique 2026 Bahrain GP
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen set the pace during the opening Formula 1 practice session at the Sepang International Circuit, kicking off an unexpected weekend for the championship. The Dutchman posted a benchmark lap of 1m37.520s under hot and humid weather conditions.
Red Bull Leads Opening Practice at Sepang
Max Verstappen finished nearly four tenths of a second clear of Mercedes driver George Russell during the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Russell trailed Verstappen with a lap time of 1m37.903s as the Azerbaijan winner in his Mercedes.
Isack Hadjar placed third in the sister Red Bull, stopping the clock at 1m38.303s. Charles Leclerc put Ferrari in fourth position with a 1m38.367s lap, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed the top five for Mercedes with a time of 1m38.580s.
Midfield and Rear-Order Setup at the Circuit
Lewis Hamilton slotted into sixth place for Ferrari behind teammate Leclerc, posting a 1m38.590s lap time. Pierre Gasly led the Alpine squad in seventh with a 1m38.715s effort, heading the two Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.
Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top ten for Audi by setting a 1m39.211s lap. Further down the timesheets, McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished the hour outside the top ten in 11th and 12th positions respectively. Gabriel Bortoleto took 13th for Audi, Fernando Alonso was 14th for Aston Martin, Esteban Ocon finished 15th for Haas, Ollie Bearman took 16th for Haas, Alex Albon placed 17th for Williams, Lance Stroll was 18th for Aston Martin, Franco Colapinto finished 19th for Alpine, Carlos Sainz took 20th for Williams, Valtteri Bottas was 21st for Cadillac, and Sergio Perez finished 22nd for Cadillac.
Logistical Shifts Force Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia
Formula 1 returned to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017 to host the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sakhir’s behalf, where Max Verstappen won on that day. Ongoing conflict in Iran forced the cancellation of April’s original event slot in Bahrain.
Organisers initially intended to reschedule the race later in the season. Persistent regional uncertainty ultimately prompted officials to move the grand prix 6,000 kilometers away to Malaysia.
Upcoming Penalties and Track Data Adjustments
Teams utilized the opening 60-minute session to gather critical track data, test aerodynamic setups, and evaluate different tyre compounds. Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad faces an impending grid penalty this weekend following a power unit change.
Isack Hadjar is also set to take a grid penalty for an engine change during the weekend. The remaining practice sessions will determine how teams adjust their setups before qualifying commences.