Verstappen Fastest as F1 Returns to Sepang

Max Verstappen topped the first Formula 1 practice session at Sepang in nine years, immediately putting Red Bull at the front of the Malaysian weekend.

The four-time World Champion produced a 1:37.520 on the soft tyre, finishing 0.383 seconds ahead of George Russell. Red Bull team-mate Isack Hadjar was third, 0.783s away from Verstappen. Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website

It was a strong opening statement from Verstappen, who was also the winner when Formula 1 last raced at Sepang in 2017.

Nine years later. Same circuit. Verstappen back on top.

Mercedes Shows Early Speed With New Upgrade

Russell briefly held P1 with a 1:37.903 before Verstappen responded.

Mercedes arrived at Sepang with upgrades to the W17, and Russell's second place suggests the championship-leading team remains firmly in contention. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished fifth, 1.060s behind Verstappen after a less tidy session. Autosport

Ferrari also showed encouraging pace, with Charles Leclerc fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth.

The FP1 top six:

1. Max Verstappen — 1:37.520

2. George Russell — +0.383s

3. Isack Hadjar — +0.783s

4. Charles Leclerc — +0.847s

5. Kimi Antonelli — +1.060s

6. Lewis Hamilton — +1.070s

McLaren Starts Outside the Top 10

McLaren endured a quieter opening session.

Oscar Piastri finished P11 with Lando Norris P12, separated by just 0.017s and more than 1.7 seconds away from Verstappen's benchmark. The team experimented with different rear-wing configurations as it searches for a stronger weekend following its difficult Azerbaijan GP. Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website

Pierre Gasly impressed in seventh for Alpine, while Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Nico Hülkenberg completed the top 10.

FP2 Becomes the Next Big Test

For Winbox Racing, FP1 has already created an intriguing picture for Formula 1's return to Sepang.

Red Bull has started strongly, Mercedes remains close with its upgraded W17, Ferrari has both cars inside the top six, while McLaren has work to do.

But Sepang's heat, tyre degradation and rapidly evolving track mean FP1 is only the first indication of the weekend's competitive order.

Verstappen P1. Russell P2. Hadjar P3.

Formula 1 is officially back at Sepang.

FP2 begins at 4:00pm Malaysia time today. Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website

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