Max Verstappen sets the fastest time in the first practice session (FP1) for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with George Russell going second. Multiple outlets report that Verstappen tops the timesheets during the opening session at Sepang, completing the quickest lap in 1:37.520.
The practice session marks F1’s return to the Sepang International Circuit, with coverage noting the event is the first visit to the track in nine years. Outlets broadly agree on the session’s outcome and the top two drivers, with some emphasizing Verstappen’s pace relative to Russell and others highlighting the significance of returning to Sepang after a long absence.
