What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Autosport • • sports
Key Points:
- The Sepang circuit's rough, abrasive surface and high temperatures have caused significant tyre degradation, similar to conditions at the Bahrain Grand Prix, making tyre management a key challenge for teams.
- Drivers and teams expect predictable tyre wear patterns, allowing for strategic variance in the race, potentially breaking the recent trend of one-stop strategies dominating.
- Red Bull showed strong pace with Max Verstappen leading FP1, while Charles Leclerc topped FP2; Mercedes, despite updates, lagged slightly behind the top teams due to understeer and front-end instability.
- Midfield teams like Audi and Alpine showed competitive race pace, with Aston Martin and Williams facing challenges adapting to the circuit's demands.
- Teams are considering two or three-stop strategies due to high rear tyre degradation, with overnight simulator work expected to refine race-day plans amid evolving track and temperature conditions.
