Russia – EL1: Mercedes in the lead, Verstappen hangs on

The sleeves follow one another and are similar. As has been the case since the start of the season, Mercedes et Max Verstappen (Red Bull) dominated a new free practice session. In Sochi, a circuit where the German manufacturer's single-seaters are successful, Valtteri Bottas et Lewis Hamilton distinguished themselves by setting the two best times in EL1.

In the internal battle, the "duel" was won by the Finn who gained the upper hand over his teammate thanks to a flying lap completed in 1'34"427 against 1'34"638 for the Englishman. Third behind the Brackley W12s, Max Verstappen had a different session since he only drove on the soft tires, the fastest of the weekend. With only 13 laps on his clock in one hour of driving, the Dutchman finished just over 2 tenths off the lead.

Its SF21 equipped with a new powertrain, Charles Leclerc was “the best of the rest” in this first session of the weekend. The pilot Ferrari ranked 4th with a lap in 1’35”117 just ahead of theAston Martin de Sebastian Vettel, surprising 5th this Friday morning in Russia. The Monegasque must nevertheless not get fired up since he is condemned from the back of the grid after using his 4th engine of the season.

Very consistent since the start of the season and constantly among the 10 fastest drivers in the field, Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) confirms its good form with the 6th time of EL1 ahead Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Lando Norris (McLaren), Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) and Fernando Alonso (Alpine) which brings up the rear in this Top 10.

Winner in Italy a fortnight ago, Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) was rather discreet during this first outing in Russia. With a best time of 1'36"877 and 23 laps in one hour, the Australian could do no better than 14th, 2"4 behind Valtteri Bottas this Friday. At the rear, the Haas and Williams did not take off from the last four positions with George Russell 17th followed by Nicholas latifi, Nikita mazepin et Mick Schumacher.

More information coming soon ...