Verstappen Tops First Practice For Bahrain GP In Malaysia, Russell And Hadjar Follow

Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in first practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being staged at Sepang in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver finished the session on top with a 1:37.520. Mercedes' George Russell was second, 0.383 seconds back, and Red Bull's Isack Hadjar took third, 0.783 seconds behind his team mate.

The session began under cloudy, humid conditions, with rain possible for second practice and on race day. Franco Colapinto was first out on track and reported a lack of grip on the radio. He ended the session 19th.

Verstappen led the early running with a 1:38.883. Around the midpoint, Hadjar moved to the top with a 1:38.303, followed by a brief battle between Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. In the second half, Russell went fastest with a 1:37.903, but Verstappen later improved to the 1:37.520 that secured the top spot.

The top ten read: Verstappen, Russell, Hadjar, Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hulkenberg. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were 11th and 12th.