Max Verstappen has made a fast start to Formula 1’s return to Sepang International Circuit, setting the pace ahead of George Russell in the first practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
The Dutch driver was back in the groove quickly in his Red Bull, posting a 1:37.520 lap to beat Russell by three tenths of a second. Verstappen was the winner of the last race at Sepang in 2017, and he showed no signs of rust despite the long gap since then.
F1 cars are back on the popular track on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur for the first time since 2017. The Malaysian weather was hot and humid, and the dusty track added to the challenge.
Russell’s Upgrade
Russell was second quickest in a Mercedes car that carries a major aerodynamic upgrade this weekend. The package represents Mercedes’ first significant car update since the Canadian Grand Prix at the end of May.
The new floor, rear suspension and rear corner suggest a substantial step forward for the team. It will take time for the Silver Arrows to fully assess the revised car’s performance.
Russell lapped faster than his team-mate Kimi Antonelli alone. That margin suggests the upgrade is doing what Mercedes hoped it would.
“It’s early days,” cautioned Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies to Sky Sports F1.
Antonelli’s Gap
Antonelli was fifth in the session, but a full second off Verstappen’s pace. The Italian driver will want to close that gap as the weekend progresses.
The Mercedes pit wall told Russell that his car appeared to be an “outlier” compared to rivals, with a higher level of tyre wear on soft tyres late in the session. That warning suggests the upgrade is pushing the car harder than expected through the long, fast corners.
Ferrari’s Struggle
Ferrari were a long way off the pace in first practice. Charles Leclerc was fourth, and Lewis Hamilton was sixth.
McLaren both finished outside the top 10. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were 11th and 12th respectively.
Tyre degradation was quickly a factor on a track that features an older tarmac and numerous long, fast corners. The conditions at Sepang are demanding, and teams will need to manage their compounds carefully across the weekend.
What the Session Shows
Verstappen’s quick lap is notable because of the gap since his last win at Sepang in 2017. He showed no signs of rust, and his Red Bull was quick from the moment the session began.
Russell’s Mercedes upgrade is the story of the day. The new floor, rear suspension and rear corner represent a significant step forward for the team, and the session data backs that up.
The gap between Russell and Antonelli shows the upgrade’s immediate effect. Russell lapped faster than his team-mate alone, which is a clear sign of progress.
The Weekend Ahead
Second practice runs later on Friday at 9am, with Qualifying on Saturday at 9am. All sessions are live on Sky Sports F1, with the race itself on Sunday at 8am.
The full schedule is below:
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8.45am | Bahrain GP Practice Two (session starts at 9am) |
| 10.15am | The F1 Show |
| 5.15am | Bahrain GP Practice Three (session starts at 5.30am) |
| 8am | Bahrain GP Qualifying build-up |
| 9am | BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING |
| 6.30am | Grand Prix Sunday: Bahrain GP build-up |
| 8am | THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX |
| 10am | Chequered Flag: Bahrain GP reaction |
The weekend will test how well Mercedes have settled into the revised car. The upgrade is clearly fast, and the session showed it immediately.
Verstappen’s pace suggests Red Bull remain competitive at the front.
The Conditions
Sepang is a challenging track. The older tarmac and the long, fast corners mean tyre degradation is a constant issue.
The hot and humid Malaysian weather adds to the difficulty. Teams will need to manage their compounds carefully across the weekend.
The dusty track is another factor. It will take time for the surface to settle and for drivers to find a consistent rhythm.
What to Watch For
The key question is how well Mercedes settle into the revised car. The upgrade is clearly fast, and the session showed it working in the first session.
Verstappen’s pace is a concern for everyone else. He set the pace in the first session, and he will be difficult to beat if he continues at this level.
Russell will need to keep his lead over Antonelli. The gap between the two Mercedes drivers is a good start, but it will take more than that to secure pole on Saturday.
Ferrari will need to improve. Their session was a poor showing, and they will need to find pace quickly if they want to challenge for the podium.
The Race on Sunday
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is the main event. It is the first time F1 has visited the country since 2017.
The race starts at 8am on Sunday, with build-up from 6.30am. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
The weekend will be a test of how well teams adapt to the unique conditions at Sepang. The track is dusty, the weather is hot, and the corners are long.
Verstappen’s fast start is a strong signal for Red Bull. They will be confident heading into qualifying on Saturday.
Russell’s Mercedes upgrade is a weapon for the weekend. The team will need to settle into the revised car quickly if they want to challenge for the top spot on the grid.
Ferrari’s struggle is a worry for the championship. They will need to find pace quickly if they want to stay in the fight.
The race on Sunday will decide who comes out on top. The field is strong, the conditions are demanding, and the prize is a place on the podium.
The weekend promises to be a memorable one for fans of the sport. The return to Malaysia is a special occasion, and the racing should be excellent.
Source material: “Verstappen makes fast start in Malaysia to outpace Russell,” Sky Sports.
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