Russell Sets Bahrain Practice Pace as Mercedes Shine and Red Bull Struggle

George Russell delivered an encouraging start to Mercedes’ Bahrain Grand Prix weekend by topping the opening practice session of Formula 1’s 2025 season opener. The British driver posted the fastest lap as teams began to assess their latest upgrades under the desert lights, with Mercedes appearing immediately competitive after a difficult run in recent seasons.

McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second, adding to the sense that the front of the field may be tighter than expected at Sakhir. Norris looked comfortable throughout the session and kept pressure on Russell’s benchmark time, signaling strong early pace for McLaren.

By contrast, Red Bull faced a more unsettled opening hour. Max Verstappen could manage only sixth place after reporting balance issues with his car, an unusual early setback for the reigning benchmark team. While practice times do not always reveal the full picture, the session suggested Red Bull may need to refine its setup before qualifying.

The opening practice also reflected the impact of recent car development across the grid, with several teams arriving in Bahrain with upgrades aimed at improving performance in the season’s first major test. Although the session is only one piece of the weekend, Russell’s headline time offered Mercedes a positive platform and hinted at a potentially more competitive championship battle ahead.