Nikita goes Round Again! (Spanish Grand Prix FP1 Report)

Valterri Bottas managed to top yet another Practice Session, this time at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya, a track dominated by Mercedes in recent years. The Red Bull of Max Verstappen came home narrowly missing out on the fastest time. Lewis Hamilton finished in third, slowest out of the three title challengers.

It was not the best session for the Mexican driver in the RB16B who only managed to get ninth position, in between the two Aston Martins’. The other side of the garage was also having issues, even though Max did go second fastest, the dutchman picked up some wing damage, which shortened his Friday running.

Polish man Robert Kubica was back in the PKN Orlen branded Alfa Romeo this morning. Kubica ended up beaching his car in the gravel at Turn 10, which meant he was only able to complete 13 laps, not ideal for a reserve driver. Teammate Antonio Giovinazzi climbed up to an impressive P13, ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in the McLaren.

It was another great showing from Lando Norris, who is solidifying his place as one of the fastest on the current grid. He put his McLaren P4 at the end of the session, 4 tenths away from Bottas, but with a healthy gap to the driver he is aiming to beat this season, Ricciardo.

After a few lacklustre performances from the Aussie driver, he will definitely be looking to improve in the coming weeks.

Early on in the session, Nikita Mazepin brought out yellow flags after losing control of the very unstable Haas car. The rookie is now starting to gain a bad name for himself, even after his antics during the off-season. Many believed that he could get his reputation back on track, rather than off it, but it does not seem like that will be happening any time soon. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was also quoted saying “Mazepin will never change”, after seeing the Russian driver spinning. Lucky for him he was able to reverse back on track and carry on with his session.

With many questions still yet to be answered, and a lot of drivers still having to get more running in. Make sure to watch FP2 and the rest of the weekend!