Russell edges Antonelli in accident-free opening practice in Madrid
MADRID: George Russell topped the times ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli in Friday’s accident-free opening practice ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Madrid hosted an accident-free opening practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, with George Russell leading the way ahead of his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. The Briton, who trails Antonelli by 66 points in the championship, posted the fastest lap time of one minute and 34.077 seconds, edging the 20-year-old Italian by 0.286 seconds.
The new Madring circuit, dubbed the 'riskiest track' on the calendar by Russell, features walls that are closer together than in Monaco, making recovery from mistakes more challenging. Despite the track's inherent dangers, drivers showed respect for the course and displayed measured professionalism, gradually increasing their speed and commitment to the task at hand.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Lando Norris of McLaren, and Racing Bull's Arvid Lindblad completing the top six. Oscar Piastri secured eighth place in the second McLaren, followed by Nico Hulkenberg of Audi and Liam Lawson of Red Bull.
The session was a testament to the drivers' skill and caution in the face of the track's inherent risks, with no crashes or red flags reported.
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