Verstappen leads F1’s Sepang return as Mercedes upgrade faces tyre-wear test
Verstappen sets the pace on Formula 1’s return to Sepang
Max Verstappen led the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, marking Formula 1’s return to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017. The Red Bull driver clocked 1:37.520, finishing 0.383 seconds clear of George Russell.
Russell, who won last week in Azerbaijan, was quickest for Mercedes, which brought its first significant car update since the Canadian Grand Prix. The package includes a new floor and revised rear bodywork, including changes to the rear suspension and rear corner.
High tyre degradation complicates the upgrade picture
Russell finished second but reported heavy tyre wear during a late-session race simulation. Mercedes told him its degradation appeared to be an “outlier” compared with rivals. The abrasive, dusty track and its long, fast corners made tyre management a prominent issue in the hot and humid conditions.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from the opening session. “It’s early days,” he said, adding that Mercedes had shown high degradation while “everyone is out of the [set-up] window now.”
Isack Hadjar was third for Red Bull, followed by Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fifth, with Lewis Hamilton sixth. Pierre Gasly placed seventh, ahead of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Lindblad and Hadjar face grid penalties for using too many engine parts; Hadjar’s penalty was expected to be five places.
McLaren starts outside the top 10
McLaren, expected by Mercedes to be a leading contender at Sepang, had a subdued start. Oscar Piastri finished 11th and Lando Norris 12th.
Formula 1’s return to Malaysia came after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races were cancelled earlier in the year because of the war in the Middle East. Bahrain’s event is being staged at Sepang, with Bahrain-related activities planned at the circuit. The podium ceremony is set to feature the Bahrain Grand Prix trophy and rosewater in place of champagne.
Second practice is scheduled for Friday, with qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.