Norris confidently tops FP1 session without Verstappen and Russell

Lando Norris topped FP1 in Sakhir. At the Bahrain International Circuit, the McLaren driver set a 1:33.204. Pierre Gasly finished in second, while Lewis Hamilton rounded off the Top 3.

With Ferrari's update package, the seven-time world champion explained over the team radio that he was struggling to find grip, and he finished five tenths behind Norris. Oscar Piastri made a mistake on his fastest lap, and finished in P10

Out of six drivers that took part in the session instead of regulars, Luke Browning was the fastest, finishing in P13. Luckily for the drivers sitting out, no replacement caused any damage to the cars.

As it happened

Six drivers without a F1 Grand Prix under their belt dressed up for the first 60 minutes of the weekend. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Oliver Bearman and Carlos Sainz did not participate in FP1 in Bahrain as a result.

Seven minutes into the session, Kimi Antonelli reported over the team radio that he has no power, but safely made it back to the pit lane, where Mercedes could investigate the issue.

20 minutes into the session, Norris led ahead of Alexander Albon and Piastri with a 1:35.2 on the mediums.

It was Gabriel Bortoleto who first put on the soft tyres this Friday, and got up to P1 with 30 minutes to go with a 1:34.6. Meanwhile, Tsunoda missed the Red Bull garage in the pit lane, and had to complete another lap.

After more drivers began to with the soft tyres, it was Pierre Gasly who led the session with 20 minutes to go. An incident between Albon and Tsunoda was also noted for pit lane infringement. After the Thai-British driver left his garage, he arrived in front of the Japanese driver, who overtook the Williams in the pit lane. Tsunoda will be investigated after the session.

Minutes later, the two Williams cars nearly collided on track as well, as British youngster Luke Browning had to avoid Albon, who failed to move out of his way.