Malaysia: Max Verstappen has set the pace as Formula 1 returned to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit for the first time in nine years, with Red Bull leading the opening practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.
Verstappen was 0.383 seconds faster than Mercedes driver George Russell, who secured victory in Azerbaijan last week. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar finished third, 0.783 seconds off Verstappen’s pace, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took fourth place.
Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton was fifth, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli finishing sixth in the second Mercedes. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was seventh, followed by Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.
Lindblad is set to start from the back of the grid after receiving a grid penalty for exceeding the permitted number of engine components. Hadjar is also expected to receive a five-place grid penalty for a similar technical infringement.
View this post on Instagram
Sepang makes F1 comeback
Formula 1 has returned to Sepang after a nine-year absence, with the circuit brought back onto the calendar following changes to this year’s schedule. The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled earlier in the year amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Bahrain sought to retain its race on the calendar, with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa negotiating for the event to be staged in Malaysia. The weekend features several Bahrain-themed activities, while the podium ceremony will use the Bahrain Grand Prix trophy and rosewater instead of the traditional champagne.
Mercedes faces tyre degradation challenge
Tyre degradation emerged as one of the key concerns during the opening session, with drivers reporting high wear levels on Sepang’s abrasive surface. Russell was particularly affected by tyre degradation in the Mercedes.
During a late-session race simulation, Russell questioned the level of tyre wear and was informed by his team that his degradation appeared to be an ‘outlier‘ compared with Verstappen’s performance.
Mercedes introduced its first major upgrade package since the Canadian Grand Prix, featuring a revised floor and updated rear bodywork. The team had expected McLaren to set the benchmark at Sepang, but the reigning world champions endured a subdued opening session.
Oscar Piastri finished 11th, one place ahead of teammate Lando Norris, as McLaren began the weekend outside the top 10.
MOST READ | Bill Nighy wins best host at British Podcast Awards
