SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) – Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel posted the fastest time in the first practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix, while Formula One rival Lewis Hamilton saved his pace for Friday’s second practice and did not push for a leading time.
In roasting hot temperatures, Vettel clocked 1 minute, 32.697 seconds, putting him .400 quicker than Daniel Ricciardo and .869 ahead of his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen.
Hamilton was nearly two seconds behind in 10th, with his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas 14th.
Hamilton and Vettel are level on 43 points in the championship race with one win each. Vettel won the season-opening Australian GP and Hamilton, who has secured both pole positions, won in China last weekend.
When drivers took to their cars at 2 p.m. local time (1100 GMT), the track temperature was 46 degrees Celsius (115 Fahrenheit).