Bahrain Grand Prix Qualifying: What to Watch at Sepang
Formula 1 returns to the Sepang circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Here is the latest on practice times and the competitive field ahead of qualifying.
Quick facts
- Kimi Antonelli led final practice by 0.278 seconds over Max Verstappen.
- George Russell finished fourth, 0.610 seconds off the pace.
- The Sepang circuit returned to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2017.
Why it matters
The return to Sepang introduces a variable that teams have not faced in years, specifically regarding track surface degradation and heat management. The competitiveness between the top four teams suggests that qualifying will be decided by marginal gains in tyre conservation rather than pure engine power alone.
What is happening with F1 qualifying times in Sepang?
Formula 1 has returned to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia for the Bahrain Grand Prix, with teams preparing for qualifying sessions. Kimi Antonelli set the pace in final practice, finishing 0.278 seconds ahead of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. George Russell followed in fourth place, while Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton placed fifth and sixth respectively.
Why is the Sepang track challenging?
The Sepang circuit is appearing on the calendar for the first time since 2017, presenting unique challenges to drivers and engineers. Tropical temperatures and an abrasive track surface have caused high tyre wear, forcing teams to minimize running during practice sessions. According to BBC reporting, this has made it difficult for teams to gauge true performance levels ahead of qualifying.
Who are the contenders for qualifying?
While Antonelli topped the final practice session, the field remains tight. Data from Friday sessions suggests that the top four teams are separated by less than four tenths of a second. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are also in the mix, though they have reportedly struggled to compete at the very front during recent sessions. Fernando Alonso has shown unexpected competitiveness in the Aston Martin, finding the track layout more suited to his vehicle's power characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Bahrain Grand Prix being held?
The Bahrain Grand Prix is being held at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. The track has returned to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 2017, presenting new challenges for teams regarding tyre wear and tropical weather conditions.
Who was fastest in final practice?
Kimi Antonelli topped the final practice session, finishing 0.278 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. George Russell placed fourth, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finishing in fifth and sixth positions respectively.
Why are teams struggling with tyre wear?
Teams are reporting high tyre wear due to the combination of tropical temperatures and the abrasive nature of the Sepang track surface. This has limited the amount of running teams can perform during practice sessions to preserve equipment for qualifying.
Is the field close in terms of performance?
Yes, according to Formula 1 data from Friday, the top four teams are within four tenths of a second of each other. This suggests a highly competitive qualifying session with no single clear favorite emerging as the dominant force.
How has the Aston Martin performed?
Fernando Alonso has shown improved performance compared to recent races in Italy and Azerbaijan. The team appears more comfortable at the Sepang circuit, which features a lower power sensitivity that is less exposing of the Honda engine used by the team.
When was the last time F1 raced at Sepang?
The Sepang circuit last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2017. Its return to the calendar this season has introduced new variables for the current generation of cars and drivers who have not raced at this specific venue previously.
In this story
Sources
- BBC: Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia LIVE: Practice Three & Qualifying - radio commentary, text updates, times & results
- Formula 1: PRACTICE DEBRIEF: Who has the edge in Sepang after a too-close-to-call Friday?
- Sky Sports: Bahrain GP in Malaysia: George Russell warns of Max Verstappen, McLaren threat to Mercedes despite upgrades for Sepang Qualifying
Last checked Oct 3, 2026 at 12:15 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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