Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc wasted no time in setting the pace as Formula 1 returned to the Sepang Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen topped FP1 with a 1:37.520, while Leclerc went fastest in FP2, just eight thousandths shy of the Dutchman's benchmark. The sessions provided an early glimpse of the competitive order.
In FP1, Verstappen's dominance was clear, finishing nearly four tenths ahead of George Russell in second. His Red Bull teammate, Isack Hadjar, was third, another four tenths back. Charles Leclerc had to settle for fourth, two places ahead of Lewis Hamilton, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli splitting the Ferraris in fifth. Pierre Gasly showed promise for Alpine in seventh, while the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were eighth and ninth, with Nico Hulkenberg completing the top 10.
The typical Malaysian weather saw temperatures reach 33 degrees Celsius, with track temperatures nearing 60 degrees. However, conditions improved slightly for FP2, and Leclerc took full advantage to go fastest. Hadjar continued to impress in second, just a tenth behind, with Lando Norris third. Verstappen was fourth, three tenths off, while Hamilton and Piastri completed the top six.
Notably, Mercedes struggled in FP2, with Russell and Antonelli down in seventh and eighth. This suggests the Silver Arrows still have work to do to match Red Bull and Ferrari. Meanwhile, Gasly and the Racing Bulls duo once again made appearances in the top 10, hinting at a tight midfield battle.
With such close margins, the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend promises intense competition. Red Bull and Ferrari appear to have the edge, but Mercedes and others will be pushing hard to close the gap. Qualifying will be crucial to determine the true pecking order, but the practice sessions have already set the stage for a thrilling battle.
Sepang's return to the F1 calendar has been met with enthusiasm from local fans. The fast, flowing circuit with its technical corners is a favourite among drivers. The combination of high heat and humidity will test both physical endurance and tyre strategy, making compound selection critical for the race.
For Verstappen, leading FP1 is a confidence boost, but Leclerc's FP2 pace shows Ferrari is not to be underestimated. With such small gaps, these two are expected to be the main contenders for pole and victory. Don't miss the qualifying and race for the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
Baca Juga
George Russell mengakui Mercedes W17 masih off the pace di FP1 dan FP2 F1 Sepang. Butuh penyesuaian setup untuk atasi degradasi ban ekstrem.
Ferrari dan Leclerc tercepat di latihan bebas F1 Sepang, tapi aspal kasar dan degradasi ban tinggi bikin pace balapan belum jelas.
Oscar Piastri optimistis McLaren temukan kecepatan di FP2 MotoGP Malaysia Sepang. Simak analisis dan hasil lengkapnya di sini.
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