Max Verstappen set the fastest time in Malaysia in a session shortened by 30 minutes due to heavy rain.
The start of FP1 was delayed of 30 minutes as tropical rain fell on the circuit. Four FP1 drivers took part into the session: Charles Leclerc (Sauber), Antonio Giovinazzi (Haas F1), Sean Gelael (Toro Rosso), Sergey Sirotkin (Renault). It was also the first official week-end session for Pierre Gasly, replacing Daniil Kvyat in Toro Rosso.
Fernando Alonso (McLaren) started the session with the Halo. As the rain faded, the drivers rather used inter tyres than wet tyres. During the hour of session, only a very few drivers committed mistakes under the rain.
At the end of the session, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) set the fastest time in 1:48.962 ahead of teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Fernando Alonso (McLaren) was 3rd of the session ahead of both Ferrari – Raikkonen ahead of Vettel– and both Mercedes – Hamilton ahead of Bottas.
Lance Stroll (Williams) was 9th ahead of Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) for his first FP1. Sergey Sirotkin completed the top 10 ahead of Palmer, Vandoorne, Ocon, Gelael, Pérez, Leclerc, Wehrlein, Grosjean, Giovinazzi and Massa.
