Verstappen Leads First Practice at Bahrain GP in Malaysia

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Kuala Lumpur: Max Verstappen set the fastest time in the opening practice session for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, leading George Russell and Isack Hadjar at Sepang International Circuit.

Verstappen posted a 1:37.520 lap to finish 0.383 seconds ahead of Russell, while Hadjar was 0.783 seconds off the pace. Charles Leclerc was fourth, with Kimi Antonelli completing the top five. 

The session marked Formula 1’s return to Sepang, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 2017, giving several drivers their first experience of the Malaysian circuit.

Franco Colapinto was among the first drivers on track at the start of the session, with most of the field initially using medium tyres. 

Verstappen moved to the top of the timesheets after 15 minutes, while Russell praised the circuit over team radio.

As more drivers switched to soft tyres, Hadjar briefly took the lead before Russell moved ahead. Verstappen then reclaimed the top position with his 1:37.520 effort and held it through the remainder of the session.

Mercedes introduced an upgrade for the weekend and ran a special livery linked to title partner PETRONAS. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly finished seventh after setting a strong first sector, while McLaren tested different rear-wing configurations between its two cars.

The teams will continue preparations through the remaining practice sessions ahead of qualifying and Sunday’s ra