Max Verstappen secured the fastest time in the opening Free Practice 1 session for the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The session marked F1’s return to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017, with the event rescheduled due to regional tensions.
Verstappen recorded a lap of 1:37.520 in his Red Bull. George Russell placed second for Mercedes with a time of 1:37.903, while Isack Hadjar, driving the sister Red Bull, finished third at 1:38.303.
Charles Leclerc was fourth for Ferrari, followed by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli in fifth. Lewis Hamilton completed the top six for Ferrari. Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, and Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top ten.
The session commenced with an air temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and a track temperature of 52 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels were at 61 percent. These conditions prompted the FIA to designate the weekend a heat hazard event.
The heat hazard declaration, made under Article B1.5.10 of the 2026 F1 Sporting Regulations, mandates teams to fit driver cooling systems. Cars will also carry a five-kilogram heat-hazard mass increase for the race, with a two-kilogram provision for practice and qualifying.
Sepang International Circuit, a 5.543-kilometre layout, is renowned for its physically demanding nature. It combines long straights, heavy braking zones, and fast corners, intensified by Malaysia’s tropical climate.
Many drivers experienced the Sepang circuit for the first time, with George Russell describing it as ‘very cool’. The track surface was noted as green and dusty at the start, with grip levels improving as the session progressed.
Verstappen set his fastest time on soft tyres, though many initially ran on mediums. Tyre degradation was a significant factor, with Charles Leclerc reporting substantial wear over team radio.
McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished outside the top ten, focusing on data gathering and familiarisation with the circuit. Isack Hadjar is scheduled to incur a grid penalty for an engine change later in the weekend.
The Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia runs from Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October. It is F1’s first race at the Malaysian circuit since 2017.
The circuit’s return follows an FIA inspection earlier in 2026, with substantial infrastructure work undertaken to meet Formula 1 standards. The event is the 16th round of the 2026 championship.
