F1 News: Norris tops FP1 for Bahrain GP in superior McLaren

Lando Norris in the Flexi-Wing McLaren easily topped the opening practice for the 2025 Bahrain GP with a lap of 1m33.204 around the Bahrain International Circuit.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

With many of the top drivers sitting out the session for rookies to get seat time, Pierre Gasly was 2nd fastest for Alpine in the hot 90-degree session, 0.238s behind Norris.

Lewis Hamilton in the upgraded #44 Ferrari with a new floor, was third fastest, 0.596s behind Norris.

Alex Albon was 4th for Williams, a massive 0.724s behind Norris.

Esteban Ocon rounded out the top-5 for Haas, 0.980s behind Norris.

Red Bull ace Max Verstappen sat out the session for rookie Ayumu Iwasa. 9th fastest Yuki Tsunoda in the #22 Red Bull sled, and Iwasa in the #37 Red Bull sled, were 1.280s and 2.271s behind Norris, respectively.

Once again Liam Lawson in the Red Bull ‘B’ team Racing Bull’s car was faster than Tsunoda in the Red Bull ‘A’ team sled.

No crashes, no spins. The rookies kept their heads down and got to work out there. Luke Browning (Williams) was 13th, Dino Beganovic P14 (Ferrari) and Felipe Drugovich P16 (Aston Martin).

Ryo Hirakawa (Haas), Frederik Vesti (Mercedes) and Ayumu Iwasa (Red Bull) were 17th, 18th and 19th – all ahead of poor old Antonelli, who only managed three laps before an issue curtailed his session.

The stewards have two incidents to investigate – the Williams drivers blocking each other out on track, plus the Albon – Tsunoda moment from the pit lane.

2025 Bahrain GP Practice 1 Results