Verstappen leads opening practice at Sepang

Max Verstappen set the fastest time in Friday’s opening practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, leading George Russell and Isack Hadjar at Sepang International Circuit. Verstappen recorded a lap of 1 minute, 37.520 seconds, 0.383 seconds ahead of Russell, with Hadjar third in 1:38.303. The session marked Formula 1’s return to Sepang for the first time since 2017. The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix was moved from its planned April date to Malaysia after it was cancelled amid conflict-related concerns, according to reports on the rearrangement. The Bahrain race will not return to Sakhir this year. Charles Leclerc placed fourth for Ferrari, followed by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. Pierre Gasly was seventh, ahead of Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hulkenberg. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished 11th and 12th for McLaren. The timing order offered an early snapshot rather than a reliable indication of the weekend’s competitive picture. Teams used the hour to learn the circuit and gather data, particularly as many drivers and teams had little recent experience at Sepang.