October 2, 2026 · Race-week update
Sepang Friday Practice: Verstappen, Then Leclerc — Three Teams in 0.371s
Verstappen topped FP1, Leclerc FP2, and Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren finished the day within 0.371 seconds. Hamilton escaped a grid penalty, Lindblad didn't, and Mercedes rolled out a teal-green surprise.
Friday at Sepang delivered exactly what this weekend promised: a genuine three-team fight at the front. Max Verstappen topped FP1 at 1:37.520, Charles Leclerc answered in FP2 at 1:37.528 — and Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren ended the day separated by just 0.371 seconds. Both sessions stayed dry despite the rain hanging around the circuit.
Hamilton's FP2 scare — warning, no penalty
The day's drama came in FP2, when Lewis Hamilton was investigated for blocking Gabriel Bortoleto. The stewards' verdict, published via formula1.com: a warning, no grid penalty. Hamilton keeps his qualifying position whatever happens on Saturday — the relief in the Ferrari garage was visible.
For fans, the practical note: impeding investigations during practice almost always end in warnings or reprimands rather than grid drops. The one that matters is qualifying — that's when blocking gets expensive.
Lindblad to the back
Arvid Lindblad will start Sunday's race from the back of the grid after taking power-unit component changes beyond his allocation. It's the standard penalty for exceeding the season's component limits — no controversy, just arithmetic. Expect him to be the one to watch in the opening laps as he carves through the field.
The upgrades worth knowing
Mercedes brought a seven-part, floor-focused upgrade package to Sepang — the biggest single-race development step anyone's rolled out this weekend. Early signs from Friday's running will be pored over tonight; if the floor works, Mercedes join the three-team fight properly.
And the paddock's talking point: the one-off teal-green Petronas livery, confirmed by Reuters. Mercedes in a radically different look for the home race of their title sponsor — expect it to be all over your feed this weekend, and a genuine collector's item in the merchandise stalls.
What Friday tells us about the weekend
The headline: nobody has broken away. A 0.371s blanket over three teams after two dry sessions means qualifying on Saturday is wide open — and with Sunday's forecast still split between the models (30% vs 90% rain), the team that reads the sky best could decide this race.
Full weekend timings, support races, and the concert schedule: the Sepang weekend schedule.
Quick answers
Who was fastest in Friday practice at Sepang?
Max Verstappen topped FP1 at 1:37.520 and Charles Leclerc topped FP2 at 1:37.528, with Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren within 0.371 seconds.
Did Lewis Hamilton get a penalty for blocking Bortoleto?
No. The stewards investigated the FP2 incident and issued a warning only — no grid penalty.
Why is Lindblad starting at the back of the grid?
Power-unit component changes beyond his seasonal allocation trigger an automatic back-of-grid start.
What is the teal-green Mercedes livery?
A one-off Petronas-themed livery for Mercedes' title sponsor's home race at Sepang, confirmed by Reuters.
Sources
formula1.com (stewards decision, Hamilton/Bortoleto FP2 investigation) · Reuters (teal-green Petronas livery confirmation) · Official F1 timing (FP1/FP2 classifications).