Antonelli leads Verstappen in final practice before Malaysian qualifying
Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in final practice ahead of Max Verstappen at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The session positioned Mercedes and Red Bull for a contest for pole position, according to Sky Sport, before qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Kimi Antonelli was fastest in final practice ahead of Max Verstappen at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, according to Sky Sport. The result came before qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Antonelli’s pace placed Mercedes ahead of Red Bull in the session. Verstappen was second, with the two drivers leading the reported practice order.
The result set up what Sky Sport described as a Mercedes versus Red Bull fight for pole position. Qualifying was the next reported stage of the weekend’s competition.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What conditions produced the gap between the two cars in final practice?
How might qualifying performance differ from the final practice order?
Which teams or drivers could challenge Mercedes and Red Bull for pole position?
What strategic choices could influence the qualifying outcome?
How representative was this session of the race pace at the circuit?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026