Sergio Perez topped the timing sheets in the first free practice of the 2023 season today in Bahrain with a time of 1m32.758s in his Red Bull-Honda, followed by the Aston Martin-Mercedes of Fernando Alonso with a time of 1m33.196s. World champion Max Verstappen finished third quickest at 1m33.375s, followed by the McLaren-Mercedes of Lando Norris at 1m34.165s, and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari at 1m34.257, 1.5 seconds behind the leader. Early issues at Aston Martin kept Lance Stroll from setting an initial time due to an ignition issue. The Canadian, who is recovering from a broken wrist, joined the session half way through and set the sixth fastest time at 1m34.298s, and trailed his teammate Alonso by 0.923s.

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