Verstappen sets the pace in Bahrain GP FP1 at Sepang
Max Verstappen was fastest in the opening practice session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. He led George Russell by 0.383s, with Red Bull team-mate Isack Hadjar completing the top three.
Formula 1 returned to Sepang International Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with the opening practice session taking place in hot and humid conditions. The session was held at the 5.5km track as F1 ran at the venue for the first time since 2017.
Verstappen topped FP1 for Red Bull with a best lap of 1:37.520. That put him 0.383s ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell, while Red Bull team-mate Isack Hadjar was third.
Multiple reports described the session as uninterrupted, with Verstappen setting the early benchmark as teams and drivers reacquainted themselves with Sepang.
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