MAX Verstappen set the pace in the opening practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit today, beating George Russell and team-mate Isack Hadjar as Formula One returned to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.
Verstappen posted a fastest lap of 1 minute 37.520 seconds to finish 0.383 seconds ahead of Russell, with Hadjar a further 0.783 seconds behind.
The session offered many drivers their first experience of the Malaysian circuit since its last Formula One race nine years ago, with high track temperatures and low grip making conditions particularly challenging.
Verstappen, the last F1 winner at Sepang in 2017, quickly adapted to the circuit and was already fastest after 15 minutes.
Russell initially appeared to be enjoying the challenge, telling his Mercedes team over the radio: “This track is very cool.”
The Briton briefly took the top spot after switching to soft tyres before Verstappen responded with a quicker lap to reclaim first place.
Mercedes arrived at Sepang with a substantial upgrade package, including changes to the sidepods, cooling louvres, floor and diffuser area, while also running a special livery paying tribute to title partner PETRONAS.
Russell nevertheless reported concerns over tyre degradation, with Mercedes discussing a higher rate of tyre drop-off compared with its rivals.
Kimi Antonelli completed the top six, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth.
Pierre Gasly was seventh for Alpine, followed by Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, with Audi's Nico Hulkenberg completing the top 10.
McLaren endured a subdued opening session, with Oscar Piastri 11th and Lando Norris 12th.
The team, which introduced upgrades at the previous race in Azerbaijan, ran different rear-wing configurations for its drivers as it continued to assess its package.
Fernando Alonso was 14th for Aston Martin, ahead of Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman.
Williams' Alex Albon was 17th, followed by Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, Alpine's Franco Colapinto and Williams' Carlos Sainz.
The two Cadillac drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, completed the order.
Track temperatures reached 57 degrees Celsius during the session, contributing to the difficult grip conditions as drivers adjusted to Sepang's demanding layout. - October 2, 2026
