F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Max Verstappen tops FP1
Max Verstappen led the opening practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held in Malaysia due to regional conflict. Drivers struggled with high temperatures and a lack of recent data on the Sepang circuit.
Why it matters
The relocation of a major sporting event due to geopolitical instability highlights the intersection of global politics and professional sports.
Max Verstappen topped opening practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia aboard a highly competitive 2026 Red Bull Formula 1 car in an uninterrupted session at Sepang.
The four-time world champion posted a 1m37.520s to go 0.383s quicker than second-placed George Russell of Mercedes, with Verstappen’s team-mate Isack Hadjar completing the top three on a 1m38.303s.
It came on F1’s first visit to Sepang in nine years – Verstappen won the last race there in 2017 - which is hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix on behalf of the Sakhir circuit due to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
So with next to no recent data of the Malaysian track, it was little surprise to see teams rush out in the early moments of FP1 with the medium tyre largely being the preferred choice.
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