Bahrain VT1 Result: Perez leads the fastest time and beats Alonso and Verstappen

The new Formula 1 season has finally started. The first free practice has just been announced at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The fastest time of the session was set by Sergio Pérez. Behind him, the second time fell victim to Fernando Alonso. The top three positions are completed by Max Verstappen.

After months of rest, the first competitive tournament of the year has just been held in Bahrain. He was immediately busy in the ring. Williams drivers Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant took to the track first. Then, followed by almost all the other drivers, world champion Max Verstappen waited a bit longer and didn’t turn onto the track until four minutes later.

Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez looked very strong in these first free practice. They set the fastest times and only Fernando Alonso came close to the Austrian team cars. Alonso set the second fastest time and seemed to confirm the pace of the Aston Martin. Teammate Lance Stroll is back from his wrist injury, but he hasn’t had a solid working session. After problems with his car, he finished sixth.

Sainz

Furthermore, the session went smoothly for Stroll, but that cannot be said for Carlos Sainz. The Spanish Ferrari driver had an unfortunate moment and spun at high speed. Miraculously, Sainz kept the car off the wall, but the fast time was no longer possible. Record the twentieth and last. Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton also looked a bit weaker and were unable to go past the tenth and eleventh fastest times. However, the British drivers were not yet on the soft tyres.

McLaren also caused a surprise at this session in Bahrain. The British team looked flabby during the Test week, but now it looks like they’re back in business. Lando Norris drove the fourth fastest time and Oscar Piastri led for the first time for the twelfth time. The second free practice session will soon be completed after which drivers will be able to set times for the first time under the same conditions that apply to qualifying.