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
Komatsu admits Haas ‘expected more’ from Ocon in 2025
Antonelli on why he is feeling 'more prepared' for 2026
Russell impressed by ‘pretty spectacular’ Aston Martin
Williams FW48 hits the track for first time at Silverstone
Verstappen encouraged as Red Bull ‘hit the ground running’
Who do you think will get the regulation changes right?