Russell names Verstappen and McLaren as clear Bahrain GP pace-setters

The Silver Arrows have finally brought an end to their long wait for upgrades this weekend, introducing their first significant package since the Canadian Grand Prix as Formula 1 returns to the fan-favourite Sepang circuit.

Mercedes have focused heavily on the W17’s floor, with four separate changes aimed at improving its overall performance. The floor board, leading edge, corner and body have all been reprofiled, with the team targeting gains in local downforce while also improving the conditioning of the airflow around the car.

The updates do not stop there, with Mercedes also making changes around the rear of the W17. Revised suspension fairings and adjustments to the rear winglet span and position are designed to increase local load around the rear suspension and rear corner. In addition, the rear bodywork has been reduced in volume, while the sideview ramp has been increased to further optimise airflow.

Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished FP2 seventh and eighth respectively, with neither driver able to improve their initial benchmark when switching to the soft tyres. The Mercedes pair were still around half a second off the pace set by Max Verstappen on the medium tyres, which represented the benchmark time of the session.

Mercedes looked more competitive over the long runs, with Antonelli managing to match Verstappen’s pace despite completing significantly fewer laps, making a direct comparison between the two far from conclusive.

Speaking at the end of the day, Russell offered a cautious assessment of Mercedes’ position, saying: "I think at the moment, Verstappen's looking the quickest in single lap, and McLaren are looking the quickest in the long runs."

Russell was also cautious when assessing the impact of Mercedes’ latest upgrades, explaining that it is difficult to separate the gains from a new package from the characteristics of the circuit where it is introduced. He suggested that the previous specification may not have produced a dramatically different picture at Sepang either, making it too early to draw firm conclusions about the true performance of the updates.

Verstappen came away from Friday in Bahrain with plenty of reasons to be encouraged, although he stopped short of drawing any firm conclusions. After setting the pace in FP1, the Dutchman finished fourth in FP2 as Red Bull worked through different tyre compounds and track conditions. With Mercedes also trying to understand the impact of its latest upgrades, Verstappen admitted that it remains difficult to determine whether Red Bull has genuinely moved forward, but described the opening day as a positive one.

Asked whether the weekend could prove as successful as his last appearance at Sepang in 2017, Verstappen remained cautious. He pointed out that too much time has passed to draw any meaningful comparisons with that race, while stressing that there are no guarantees of repeating that success. Nevertheless, the four-time world champion was pleased with Red Bull’s opening day and saw the positive start as an encouraging sign ahead of the remainder of the weekend.

Verstappen also raised an issue over his seating position during FP2, having been heard on the radio several times as he struggled to find a consistent position behind the wheel. The Dutchman explained that the position can occasionally feel slightly off, prompting the team to double-check it. Although it was not presented as a major problem, Verstappen’s comments highlighted another detail Red Bull will need to address as it continues to fine-tune the RB22 throughout the weekend.