The opening practice sessions for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit saw Red Bull and Ferrari setting the early pace amid challenging track conditions. The sessions highlighted key performances and technical feedback from several teams as they adapted to the abrasive surface and tyre degradation concerns.
Max Verstappen led the first practice session for Red Bull Racing, posting his best lap on medium tyres. His teammate Isack Hadjar was second fastest in the second session but faces a five-place grid penalty due to a new internal combustion engine (ICE) installation. Ferrari showed strong pace with Charles Leclerc topping the second session, while Lewis Hamilton was fifth and received a warning for blocking during the runs. Mercedes’ George Russell was second in the first session but reported difficulties with tyre wear and car balance, and both he and Kimi Antonelli made mistakes in the second session.
McLaren concentrated on rear wing testing in the first session, with Lando Norris impressing by finishing third in the second. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly remained competitive in the midfield, while his teammate Franco Colapinto is set to serve grid penalties for a previous collision and a new ICE. Racing Bulls ran split programmes with Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson, with Lindblad starting from the back due to power unit changes. Audi drivers encountered some errors, and Gabriel Bortoleto ended the second session with a gearbox issue. Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman showed mixed results, with Bearman struggling with confidence and car setup. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso had a solid start, whereas Lance Stroll faced challenges with car balance. Williams continued to struggle with setup and pace, with Alexander Albon unhappy about deployment and rear stability, and Carlos Sainz finding high-speed corners difficult.
The Sepang circuit’s dusty and abrasive surface contributed to low grip and high tyre degradation, as reported by Pirelli. Both soft and medium tyre compounds showed similar performance levels, while the hard tyre was not used during the sessions. This tyre wear is expected to be a significant factor during the race, likely requiring two or more pit stops.
Red Bull’s pace in the first session underlined their ongoing competitiveness, though Hadjar’s grid penalty will affect his starting position. Ferrari’s performance in the second session, led by Leclerc, indicated progress, with Hamilton’s warning for blocking highlighting the tight margins teams face during practice. Mercedes’ struggles with tyre wear and balance suggest ongoing challenges for the team, while McLaren’s focus on aerodynamic testing showed promising results through Norris’s pace.
Midfield teams like Alpine and Racing Bulls are managing penalties and technical issues while gathering valuable data. Audi’s gearbox concerns and Haas’s mixed performances reflect the varying fortunes across the grid. Aston Martin and Williams continue to work on car balance and setup to improve competitiveness on this demanding track.
The Friday practice sessions at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix offered a detailed snapshot of team performances and technical challenges ahead of qualifying. Tyre degradation and track conditions remain key factors shaping strategies and car setups for the weekend.