Max Verstappen Leads Opening Practice at Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix
The Red Bull Racing driver finished nearly four tenths of a second ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell, who debuted a significant car upgrade.
Why Formula 1 Is Racing in Malaysia Instead of the Middle East
The unusual calendar shift brings Formula 1 back to Sepang for the first time since 2017, a circuit located approximately 6,000 kilometers away from the original venue in Sakhir. NOS reported that the relocation stems from safety concerns following the outbreak of conflict in the Gulf region earlier this year, which forced the cancellation of the scheduled races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Liberty Media initially attempted to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix for October, but ongoing geopolitical instability prompted organizers to secure the FIA Grade 1-licensed Sepang circuit as a logistical alternative between the races in Azerbaijan and Singapore. To help cushion financial costs, the Malaysian venue agreed to host the event under the banner of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Track Action and Practice Results in Sepang
The morning session started at 06:30 Dutch time under tropical conditions, with temperatures ranging between 26 and 33 degrees Celsius and a 100 percent chance of rain, according to weather data compiled by bet365. Verstappen initially traded top spots on medium tyres before switching to soft compounds to maintain control at the head of the timesheets. Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar briefly jumped five tenths ahead during the middle phase of the session before Verstappen reclaimed the fastest time.
Full Opening Practice Classification
Behind the leading trio, championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured the fifth fastest time, finishing behind fourth-placed Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton settled for sixth position, followed by Pierre Gasly in seventh and Liam Lawson in eighth. Arvid Lindblad claimed ninth, while Nico Hülkenberg rounded out the top ten during the dry morning session. Teams faced significant unknowns regarding tyre degradation from Pirelli, given that the sport has not raced at the venue since Sebastian Vettel established the official 1:13.408 ronderecord during the 2017 event.
Details on the Race Relocation to Malaysia and Sepang History
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?
Security risks and conflict in the Gulf region forced the cancellation of the original races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, leading Formula 1 to move the event to the Sepang International Circuit as an alternative.
When was the last time Formula 1 raced at Sepang?
The sport last visited the Sepang International Circuit in 2017, when Max Verstappen secured victory for Red Bull Racing during the final official grand prix held at the track before its temporary departure from the calendar.
Where can viewers in the Netherlands watch the sessions?
The entire raceweekend is broadcast live in the Netherlands via streaming services and television options including Viaplay, Viaplay TV+, and F1 TV Pro.
What penalty does Isack Hadjar face for the weekend?
Isack Hadjar must serve a five-place grid penalty during the weekend due to the installation of a new combustion engine in his RB22 power unit.
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