F1's Wait for Rain Goes on as Practice in Unfamiliar Malaysia Stays Dry
Verstappen led the first session and Leclerc the second as teams learned about 2026 cars and a possible first wet race under new rules.
- On Friday, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc set the fastest times during dry practice sessions for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia, defying heavy rain forecasts.
- The Bahrain Grand Prix returns to Malaysia this year due to disruptions from the Iran war; the circuit is known for abrasive asphalt and sudden downpours.
- Standings leader Kimi Antonelli seeks to bounce back from his "worst weekend" of the season after finishing fifth in Azerbaijan, trailing Mercedes teammate George Russell.
- Ferrari faces continued scrutiny during a winless streak, though Lewis Hamilton dismissed reports of internal discord as former Red Bull boss Christian Horner recently called the team "the dream."
- Mercedes driver George Russell, fresh off his Azerbaijan victory, anticipates new car upgrades will enhance performance this week as he expressed increased comfort with his vehicle.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The replacement race of Formula 1 in Malaysia was shaping up to be the ultimate test in the rain. It has not yet arrived.
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
F1's wait for rain goes on as practice in unfamiliar Malaysia stays dry
Formula 1’s replacement race in Malaysia was meant to be the ultimate test in the rain. It hasn’t arrived yet. Both practice sessions have defied the forecast of heavy rain to stay dry and keep things uncertain about how this…
Lord and Russell reflect on Mercedes' first day at 2026 F1 Malaysia round as tyre degradation emerges as key challenge
Mercedes arrived in Malaysia for Round 16 of the 2026 F1 season with a new upgrade package on the W17, as well as both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli experiencing the circuit for the first time. Max Verstappen topped both FP1 and the early stages of FP2, while Leclerc ultimately ended Friday fastest after switching...
At the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, where the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix is being held, rain could significantly impact the outcome of the race throughout the weekend. Friday's first free practice session (FP1) finished in dry conditions without any rain, but...
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