Bahrain GP Build-Up: Sainz Leads the Pack as Teams Gear Up for Qualifying Clash

In the final practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari topped the timesheet surpassing Fernando Alonso in the last minutes. Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris followed closely in a competitive top five. Mercedes’ George Russell finished sixth while Lewis Hamilton ended up in 12th place. Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin and McLaren are all expected to compete for pole position in the upcoming qualifying session.

Despite being in 12th, Hamilton remains optimistic after a strong showing in second practice under similar conditions. The track temperature during practice was higher than what is expected for the night time qualifying and race. The session also saw Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner briefly absent from the pit wall due to discussions with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The FIA president is set to meet with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to address the investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior against Horner which the team’s parent company dismissed.