Bahrain – FP1: Red Bull in Contrast
It's all in contrast as the Austrian team finishes the first practice session. Indeed, while Daniel Ricciardo concludes the session with a time of 1:31:060, his teammate Max Verstappen experiences a breakdown and is forced to abort the session in progress.
Under the dusty sky of Sakhir, the first free practice session begins this Friday at 1:00 PM, French time. While the Mercedes cars initially dominate, Romain Grosjean disrupts the performance of the German team by securing the fastest time for a few minutes with a 1:32:516.
Max Verstappen notices an electrical failure that forces him to return to the pits, assisted in the last few meters by his team members who push the car.
As the laps go by, the Ferraris show their teeth and streak ahead, accompanied by the Mercedes, securing the best times. It is at this moment that Daniel Ricciardo clocks the fastest time of the session at 1:31.060.
In the end, the Australian is followed by Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raïkonnen, leading the best Finn by three-tenths. The top Frenchman is Romain Grosjean, placed sixth thanks to his time which put him first for a while. Pierre Gasly follows him in seventh place.
No notable incidents during the session aside from the spins of young Monegasque Charles Leclerc and Canadian Lance Stroll, without damage to their cars.
Note that Sahara Force India experienced a difficult first session, ending up in the last places of the timed standings.
