Verstappen sets pace ahead of Russell in Malaysia practice
Max Verstappen set the pace in the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit. The session marked Formula 1’s return to Sepang, with Verstappen finishing ahead of George Russell after a fast start.
Max Verstappen set the pace in the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
George Russell finished behind Verstappen in the session, according to Sky Sport.
The practice session marked Formula 1’s return to Sepang. Sky Sport described Verstappen’s opening performance as an impressively fast start.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What factors allowed Verstappen to establish the pace in the opening practice session?
How representative were the practice-session standings of the competitive order for the rest of the event?
What conditions at Sepang shaped the gap between Verstappen and Russell?
How might the return to Sepang affect teams’ preparation compared with races held at other circuits?
What evidence would show whether Russell’s position reflected a temporary practice-session disadvantage?
YOUR QUESTION
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026