Verstappen tops 2nd practice at Bahrain GP, Hamilton is slow
By JEROME PUGMIRE
AP Auto Racing Writer
SAKHIR, Bahrain (AP) — Formula One champion Max Verstappen has quickly got back to business for Red Bull by leading the second practice session at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix under floodlights. Rival Lewis Hamilton continues to struggle for Mercedes and is only ninth fastest. Verstappen is fifth in the first practice. The Dutchman improved to finish ahead of Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. Hamilton was a distant 1.2 seconds behind Verstappen’s leading time on a sluggish day when he placed seventh in the first practice. A third practice session takes place on Saturday ahead of qualifying.