The last Formula 1 driver to win a grand prix in Malaysia was quickest in the first practice session for nine years at the Sepang circuit.
Max Verstappen again demonstrated Red Bull’s recent resurgence in form as he set a quickest time of 1’37.520.As pre-event predictions of high tyre degradation on the abrasive track came true, Verstappen spent the entire session on soft rubber, preserving his stock of harder compounds for later in the event. George Russell used one set each of the softs and mediums as he set the second-fastest time in the upgraded Mercedes, almost four tenths of a second slower than Verstappen.
“Tyre degradation is insane” acknowledged Charles Leclerc as he set the fourth-fastest time of the session behind Verstappen’s team mate Isack Hadjar.
Mercedes introduced a significant upgrade for their car, which is also sporting a special livery this weekend. Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who like his team mate is making his first visit to Sepang, went fifth-quickest ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Both McLaren drivers were also experiencing the Sepang International Circuit for the first time and had a poor start to practice. Both finished the opening session outside the top 10.
All four Red Bull-Ford-powered cars appeared in the top 10. The Racing Bulls pair occupied eighth and ninth behind Pierre Gasly’s Alpine. Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10 for Audi.
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2026 Bahrain Grand Prix first practice result
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