MANAMA, Bahrain – Lando Norris set the pace during the first practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, with Pierre Gasly and Lewis Hamilton close behind. The McLaren driver emerged as the fastest in an hour that also saw six rookie drivers take to the track, shaking up the familiar lineup.
Coming off the heels of the chilly conditions at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit, teams and drivers faced a stark contrast with hot and sunny weather at the Sakhir Circuit for Friday’s Free Practice 1. With the requirement for teams to run rookies in four FP1 sessions throughout the season, familiar faces like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and other regular drivers gave way to fresh talent like Ayumu Iwasa, Dino Beganovic, and Fred Vesti on the track.
As the session got underway with Iwasa leading the pack, it was evident that the new faces were eager to make an impression. However, not all drivers had a smooth start, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli facing issues with power less than 10 minutes into the session, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a new circuit under different conditions.
The inclusion of rookies in FP1 sessions serves as a valuable opportunity for young drivers to gain experience and showcase their skills on the big stage. It also adds an element of unpredictability to the session, as established drivers step aside and allow emerging talent to shine.
Overall, the first practice session of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend set the stage for an exciting competition ahead, with established drivers like Hamilton and Gasly facing stiff competition from up-and-coming rookies eager to make their mark in the world of Formula 1. As the weekend unfolds, fans can expect thrilling battles on the track as drivers push themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory.