Max Verstappen and Red Bull pose threat to Mercedes after FP3 in Malaysia
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 7:29 AM
Last updated Oct 3, 2026
In final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang, Kimi Antonelli topped the session, clocking a 1:36.302. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar from Red Bull followed in second and third place, respectively. Anthony Davidson highlighted Red Bull as Mercedes' main competitor, noting their proximity in pace after previous struggles. Mercedes had a positive turnaround after poor performance on Friday, but Red Bull's results show they are closing the gap. Qualifying will test whether Red Bull can convert this pace into a strong grid position.
- •Kimi Antonelli leads FP3 with a 1:36.302 lap time.
- •Max Verstappen trails by 0.278 seconds.
- •Isack Hadjar finishes third but has a five-place grid penalty.
- •Mercedes hopes to maintain advantage amid improving competition.
- •Qualifying will provide insight into race day potential.
- 7:29 AMYahoo Sports — Davidson names Verstappen's Red Bull as Mercedes' 'biggest threat' after Antonelli tops FP3
"Anthony Davidson believes Red Bull is turning into the biggest threat to Mercedes. He said so after Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar finished second and third behind Kimi Antonelli in final practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
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