Max Verstappen set the pace during the first practice session (FP1) at the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is taking place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This marked the return of Formula 1® to Sepang for the first time since 2017, with many drivers still getting to grips with the track.
Verstappen led the session with a fastest lap time of 1:37.520, finishing ahead of George Russell by 0.383 seconds and Isack Hadjar by 0.783 seconds. The session featured a mix of tyre strategies, with some drivers opting for medium compounds while others started on soft tyres. Notably, Verstappen was the last driver to win in Malaysia back in 2017, adding historical context to his performance.
The FP1 session included a wide range of teams such as Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine, Racing Bulls, McLaren, Audi, Aston Martin, Williams, and Haas. Mercedes introduced an upgrade package and ran a special livery to honour their title partner PETRONAS. Meanwhile, Arvid Lindblad from Racing Bulls ran on soft tyres but is expected to start from the back of the grid due to taking a fifth power unit.
Other notable performances included Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who placed fourth and sixth respectively. McLaren tested different rear wing configurations in an effort to improve their performance following a challenging previous race. The session also saw drivers like Kimi Antonelli, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Nico Hulkenberg, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Sergio Perez taking part in the opening practice.
The return to Sepang presented a fresh challenge for many drivers, given the long gap since the circuit last hosted a Formula 1® event. George Russell commented positively on the track, reflecting the adaptation process underway across the paddock. The session concluded with Verstappen maintaining his lead, setting a benchmark for the teams as they prepare for the rest of the weekend.
FP2 is scheduled to take place later the same day at 16:00 local time, offering teams another opportunity to refine their setups and strategies ahead of qualifying and the race. The developments from FP1 provide an initial snapshot of the competitive order, but the weekend remains open as teams continue to adjust to the Sepang circuit.