Formula 1 returns to Russia this weekend for round 15 of the season, with the title battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen still finely poised – just five points separating the two contenders.
The drivers got their first taste of the track on Friday morning with the first practice session, and it was Sochi specialist Valtteri Bottas – who has two wins here – who went quickest ahead of his Mercedes team mate Hamilton.
FP1 REPORT: Bottas leads Mercedes 1-2 in opening Russian GP practice session at Sochi
Verstappen – who is carrying a three place grid penalty at this race after the stewards judged him to be "predominantly to blame" for his collision with Hamilton at Monza – was third fastest ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
Hit play on the video above to see all the key moments from the opening session of the weekend.
Next Up
Related Articles
.webp)
The important facts and stats ahead of the British GP.webp)
Paddock InsiderNorris on his British GP hopes and battling Piastri
Weekend Warm-upAll the talking points as F1 arrives at Silverstone
Antonelli ‘not really worried’ amid Mercedes contract reports
Russell addresses Mercedes contract talk
This Week in F110 quiz questions on the Austrian GP