Russian GP – FP1: Valtteri Bottas leads Mercedes double in Sochi – F1only.fr

This is the Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas who set the fastest time in the first free practice of the Russian Grand Prix of 1.34.427 on Soft tires.

The Finn is ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton by two tenths (Tender) and Red Bull of Max Verstappen for two tenths also (tender).

Behind, Charles Leclerc (+0.690), Sebastian Vettel (+1.354), Pierre Gasly (+1.367), Carlos Sainz (+1.384), Lando Norris (+1.532), Sergio Perez (+1.761) and Fernando Alonso (1.798) complete the top ten of this relatively calm session during which no major event is to report to you except a little spin from Lando Norris after the session when returning to the stand. The front wing of the Briton’s McLaren was damaged.

Advanced engine for Leclerc at Ferrari

At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc is the only driver to have received the new engine evolution this weekend at the Russian Grand Prix. The Monegasque therefore knows that he will have to start from the back of the grid this Sunday in Sochi because of the penalties associated with all these changes.

This Friday morning, Leclerc encountered some small problems with this new engine, the Ferrari driver having spent a little time in the garage.

Mercedes Advantage in Sochi

Unsurprisingly, Mercedes remains the big favorite this weekend in Sochi where the German manufacturer’s team remains unbeaten since the first edition in 2014. This Friday during FP1, the two Mercedes drivers finished the session with a double, even if it’s only the start of the weekend….

The second free practice session of the Russian Grand Prix is ​​scheduled this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. (Paris time) and you can of course follow it live on F1only.fr.

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