Verstappen leads opening practice at Sepang, highlighting Red Bull’s early pace and boosting visibility for F1 sponsors and Malaysian tourism
Executive summary: Max Verstappen recorded the quickest lap in the first practice session (FP1) at the Sepang circuit, ahead of George Russell, Isack Hadjar and Charles Leclerc in fourth place. The result signals the early performance hierarchy, affecting team preparations for qualifying and the race, and increases media exposure for the top‑performing teams and their sponsors.
Who is involved: Red Bull Racing (Verstappen), Mercedes (Russell, Hadjar), Ferrari (Leclerc), and the FIA‑sanctioned Malaysian Grand Prix event.
Likely next: Second practice (FP2) later today, followed by final practice and qualifying sessions tomorrow ahead of the race on Sunday.
The first free‑practice session at the Sepang circuit saw Max Verstappen set the fastest lap, followed by George Russell and Isack Hadjar, with Charles Leclerc fourth for Ferrari. The outcome provides an early indicator of the competitive order ahead of qualifying and the race, influencing team strategy and sponsor exposure. As the Malaysian Grand Prix returns after a nine‑year absence, the event draws media attention that can benefit local tourism and the commercial partners of the leading teams.
Timeline
- — F1, oggi prove libere in Malesia: risultati e i tempi della prima sessione a Sepang (Sky Sport)
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