1st practice session, Bahrain/Malaysia: Max Verstappen fastest, Russell close behind

3,288 days – that is, nine years and one day after the last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017 – Formula 1 cars returned to Sepang for the first time. All 22 drivers got off to a flying start in the first free practice session. After the first few laps, Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) was fastest with a time of 1:38.883, closely followed by George Russell (0.05 seconds behind) and Kimi Antonelli (both Mercedes). Verstappen, however, was already on soft tyres.

Heat, high humidity, but no rain

With an air temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius, a track temperature of 51.9 degrees and 59 per cent humidity, the conditions were just as challenging as forecast – for both man and machine. At least the probability of rain during FP1 was put at 0 per cent. Dark clouds hung menacingly in the sky, however.

The circuit in the metropolis of Kuala Lumpur is completely new to twelve of the current Formula 1 drivers, but even for the ten veterans who have already raced at Sepang, FP1 marked their first outing in the new cars. Consequently, practice time this weekend is particularly valuable.

Why Sepang, actually? The Bahrain Grand Prix could not take place as planned this spring. As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the Bahraini organisers have changed their plans: the Grand Prix is taking place under the name ‘Bahrain Grand Prix’ and with a predominantly Bahraini staff – but at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This is conveniently located from a logistical point of view: next week, the action moves on to Singapore. Incidentally, more than 500 marshals from Bahrain have been flown in for the weekend, along with what feels like half the paddock, including staff and equipment.

But let’s turn our attention to the circuit: George Russell was full of praise for the track. He is one of the majority of drivers who have not yet raced at Sepang in Formula 1. The same goes for Oliver Bearman: the Briton, however, is complaining about the temperatures. In Malaysia, practice began at 12.30 pm, just in time for the midday heat. During the session, temperatures rose to 33.3 degrees. Most races in hot conditions (such as those in Bahrain itself or in Singapore) usually take place after dark.

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Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) was shown the black-and-white flag after just 20 minutes for driving on the wrong side of the small bollard at the entrance to the pit lane. Meanwhile, his team-mate Arvid Lindblad slipped in between the Mercedes cars to set the third-fastest time.

Red Bull Racing strong in FP1

At the halfway point, Isack Hadjar took the lead with a time of 1:38.303. So it was a Red Bull Racing one-two. Then came a sign of life from Ferrari, who had until then been trailing Red Bull Racing, Mercedes and Racing Bulls: Charles Leclerc was just six hundredths of a second behind Isack Hadjar, with Lewis Hamilton two tenths behind Leclerc. After that, George Russell made his mark: The Baku winner topped the field with a time of 1:37.520. Incidentally, everyone at the front was now on soft tyres. Due to the rough track surface, the softs are unlikely to be much use for the race. There’s also a good chance of the season’s first proper wet sessions, requiring wet tyres.

The frantic hunt for the fastest times continued: Verstappen set a new fastest time of 1:37.520 mins. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli and McLaren didn’t switch to soft tyres until late on. Antonelli slotted in between the Ferraris.

Top 6 dominated by RBR, Mercedes and Ferrari

The top six were thus entirely dominated by Red Bull Racing, Mercedes and Ferrari, led by Max Verstappen. Fittingly, Verstappen won the last race of 2017 to date.

Pierre Gasly (Alpine/7th) and the Racing Bulls in 8th and 9th put in a strong performance. Nico Hülkenberg finished the session in tenth place. A disappointing session for McLaren: Lando Norris 12th, Oscar Piastri 11th.