Max fifth in first Bahrain practice

Published on 29 March 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen finished the first practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix in fifth place. Charles Leclerc was quickest ahead of Ferrari team mate Sebastian Vettel. Max’ Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team mate Piere Gasly clocked the sixth fastest time.

The first session of the weekend starts in sunny and warm conditions (28 degrees air and 50 degrees track temperature). Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo, is the first driver out on track. Max makes his first appearance five minutes into the session with the customary installation lap.

It is another ten minutes before Max commits to a timed lap. When he does, he sets a 1:33.0 on the soft Pirelli compound.

The first yellow flag of the session is caused by Lance Stroll. The Canadian spins his Racing Point at the exit of turn four and hits the wall. Nevertheless, Stroll is able to make his way back to the pits and the yellow flag is short-lived. Meanwhile, the Ferraris set the pace, proving the Italian outfit will be a force to be reckoned with, despite their disappointing performance in Melbourne.

After all drivers hand in their first set of Pirellis, Max heads back out on another set of soft Pirellis. Despite setting the quickest lap, the youngster is unable to enjoy his lead for long as Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes colleague Lewis Hamilton set faster times.

Soon after, it is Ferrari that regains control with Leclerc quickest ahead of Vettel, whilst the Red Bull Racing mechancis work on Max' RB15 back in the pit box.

In the closing stages, Max heads back out for another timed effort. In an attempt to better his lap time, the Dutchman endures a minor excursion off-track meaning his quickest time remains a 1:31.673.

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Results first free practice Bahrain: