F1 qualifying LIVE: Bahrain GP practice lap times as Max Verstappen goes fastest
LIVE – Updated at 12:43
George Russell Sport News
Lewis Hamilton & George Russell underline Mercedes' struggles with pre-qualifying comments
Mercedes appear to be truly up against it at the start of the new Formula 1 season with it appearing as though they do not have the fastest car on the grid as things stand.
'I'm just realistic' - Hamilton writes off Bahrain chances after disappointing practice showing
• Mercedes seemed to have struggled during the first day of practice in Bahrain. • Lewis Hamilton has written off any chance of podium on Sunday. • Max Verstappen seems to be challenged by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz this weekend. • For more stories, visit Wheels24.
F1 champion Verstappen laughs off claims Mercedes lacks pace
SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Formula One champion Max Verstappen gave a sarcastic answer Friday when asked if rival Mercedes lacks pace heading into the season's opening race in Bahrain on Sunday.
Russell’s arrival a ‘nice twist to the Mercedes fight’
With three years of “non-pressure experience” under his belt at Williams, Juan Pablo Montoya believes George Russell is ready for the challenge that is Lewis Hamilton.
It’s ‘damage limitation’ and Mercedes ‘aren’t bluffing’
The bad news coming from Mercedes continues with Andrew Shovlin saying this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix is a case of “damage limitation” for the reigning Constructors’ champions.
Champion Max Verstappen sets the pace in Bahrain GP practice
Formula One champion Max Verstappen edged out Charles Leclerc to the fastest time in Friday's practice for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix as Red Bull and Ferrari lived up to their pre-season hype while Mercedes appeared to be on the back foot. The 24-year-old lapped the 5.4km floodlit Sakhir track in one minute 31.936 seconds, beating Leclerc by 0.087 seconds. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was over half a second back in third. “It’s been a positive day for us, really,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. “Both in the warmer conditions earlier in the day and that last session, the short run and the long run both looked pretty decent ... we’re pretty satisfied with today’s running.” Verstappen, who sealed his first title at a controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi last year, had ended last week’s pre-season test at the same Sakhir track with the fastest time.
Carlos Sainz Jr.: Ferrari enjoying 'positive start' but admits he is 'struggling' with new car
Carlos Sainz Jr. said Ferrari had a ‘positive start’ to build on in Bahrain but admitted to some struggles.