Max Verstappen set the pace in the first practice session as Formula 1 returned to Sepang International Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen, the 2017 race winner, set a 1:37.520, three tenths clear of George Russell in the Mercedes. Russell featured a major aerodynamic upgrade on his W17, while Kimi Antonelli was fifth, over a second off the pace.
Isack Hadjar was third fastest in the second Red Bull. Ferrari struggled, with Charles Leclerc fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth, over 0.8s off Verstappen. McLaren was outside the top 10, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris 11th and 12th.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies noted the extreme heat and dusty track conditions made performance difficult to assess early in the session.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing