FP1 results Barcelona: Verstappen splits the two Mercedes drivers

The fastest time in the first free practice session was set by Valtteri Bottas. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were also close with both drivers within two tenths of the Finn. Despite a red flag caused by Robert Kubica, there were still a lot of laps driven on the Barcelona circuit.

Behind the standard top-three are Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc in fourth and fifth places. Carlos Sainz is behind them on P6. It is notable that both Ferrari drivers set their fastest time on the yellow mediums, while the top four did so on the red softest tyre. There is still more speed in the red car of Leclerc and Sainz.

The most laps were driven by Pierre Gasly. He drove 26 laps on the circuit where the winter test has traditionally been held in recent years. This year however they were held in Bahrain, making it the first hour for the 2021-bodies in Barcelona. Rounding out the top ten are Sebastian Vettel, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll. Both Aston Martin drivers looked fast in Barcelona.

Full results FP1:

It's a @MercedesAMGF1 sandwich with @Max33Verstappen in the middle for FP1! #SpanishGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/jDj7Kxpsx7

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 7, 2021