Verstappen sets pace in opening practice in Sepang

Max Verstappen set the pace in Friday’s opening practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, lapping the 5.543-km circuit in 1 minute, 37.520 seconds. The four-time world champion was 0.383 seconds quicker than Mercedes’ George Russell, with Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar third and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc the only other driver to stay within one second. Conditions were difficult, with extreme heat and early dust creating hazy viewing on the start-finish straight. Mercedes brought a new upgrade package and used a teal-green Petronas livery, but both cars struggled at turn four with tyre wear. Kimi Antonelli managed fifth, while Lewis Hamilton was sixth. The FIA said Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto exceeded engine allowances, resulting in grid penalties; Lindblad will start at the back and Colapinto at the back for the first time, with Norris 12th.