FP1: Leclerc heads opening practice, Ferrari one second clear of Mercedes

Charles Leclerc has topped the opening practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, as Ferrari unfolded its weekend clear of its competitors.

The Monegasque's fastest lap time was a 1:30.354, which was two and a half tenths ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel, who ended up in second place.

The Maranello squad was one second ahead of Mercedes, who dominated proceedings in Melbourne two weeks ago. Valtteri Bottas was third ahead of his partner Lewis Hamilton.

It is worth noting that track conditions will be very different for qualifying and the race, which will be held under the lights when the circuit is more rubbered in.

Red Bull was fifth and sixth, with Max Verstappen heading his teammate Pierre Gasly. Verstappen's fastest lap was 1.3 seconds down on Leclerc's pace-setting time.

Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren, as he finished ahead of Renault's Nico Hulkenberg.

The latter driver was involved in a collision with Alfa Romeo's Antonio GIovianzzi in the dying moments of the session.

Giovianzzi was disgruntled after he appeared to be blocked by Hulkenberg in the middle sector, and as they rounded Turn 7, the two hit and Giovianzzi was sent airborne. The incident left both drivers with no significant damage. 

Daniil Kvyat was ninth for Toro Rosso while Kimi Raikkonen rounded out the top ten.

The Finn was also unhappy throughout the session after he was pushed off the track by a seemingly unsuspecting Alexander Albon

Lance Stroll made contact with the barriers early on in the session as he spun on the exit of Turn 4. However, he only suffered minor damage to the left side of his front wing.

George Russell also found himself facing the wrong way as he was a little too eager on the throttle at Turn 2.

Williams once again looks to be in for a difficult weekend as it ended the session 19th and 20th.

BH Bahrain International Circuit - 29 March 2019

Replies (1)

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  • f1ski

    Posts: 726

    meaningless 3 second off last year pole

    • + 0
    • Mar 29 2019 - 15:54

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Date
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Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
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United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
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Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
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5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
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Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
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United States of America Miami International Autodrome
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23 - May 25 2025
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  • Team Ferrari
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  • Date of b. Oct 16 1997 (28)
  • Place of b. Monte Carlo, MC
  • Weight 68 kg
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