Max Verstappen demonstrated strong early pace during the Free Practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, held at the Sepang International Circuit. Despite the promising start, Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has tempered expectations, emphasising the ongoing development work required for the 2026 season.
Verstappen topped the first Free Practice session with a benchmark lap of 1:37.520. Mercedes driver George Russell secured second place, nearly four tenths behind, while Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar finished third. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli completed the top five in FP1.
In the second Free Practice session, Charles Leclerc set the fastest time with a 1:37.528. Isack Hadjar was second, followed by Lando Norris in third. Max Verstappen placed fourth with a 1:37.785, notably setting his best time on medium tyres rather than the soft compound used by the leading drivers.
Mekies’ cautious stance reflects the team’s focus on long-term development. Verstappen himself noted that ‘everything is still a work in progress’. He added that the team needs time to understand the new engine and implement setup changes effectively.
The weekend at Sepang also sees several drivers facing grid penalties. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar will incur a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race. This is due to the installation of his seventh internal combustion engine, exceeding the four-unit allocation for the current season.
Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad faces a back-of-the-grid start. He has accumulated a 30-place grid penalty after exceeding his permitted allocation of multiple power unit components, including a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and exhaust system.
Alpine’s Franco Colapinto also received penalties. He will serve an additional 10-place grid drop for taking a fifth internal combustion engine. This is compounded by an existing five-place penalty carried over from a collision in Baku.
Elsewhere in the paddock, Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur’s position remains a topic of discussion. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have publicly supported Vasseur, dismissing rumours linking other figures to his role.
Ferrari is currently addressing performance challenges, including an engine power deficit and the need for chassis and aerodynamic improvements. Vasseur has indicated that upgrades are forthcoming, though the team has reportedly shifted its primary development focus to the 2027 season.
Fernando Alonso has confirmed his commitment to Formula 1, extending his contract with Aston Martin for the 2027 season. The 45-year-old Spaniard will continue to partner Lance Stroll, citing his enduring passion for racing and competitive drive.
Max Verstappen has also confirmed his participation in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup season finale. He will race a #3 Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing AMG GT3 EVO at Portimão on October 17.
