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
/GENERAL%20CROP%20-%202025-10-17T231548.395.webp)
AS IT HAPPENED: Verstappen takes Sprint pole in Austin
Leclerc reaffirms desire to ‘win in red’ with Ferrari/GettyImages-2241265235.webp)
FIA Team Principals press conference – United States/PADDOCK%20INSIDER%20DISPLAY%20(4).webp)
Paddock InsiderStella reflects on Norris’ ‘repercussions’ after Singapore
Ride onboard as Verstappen charges to US GP Sprint pole/PRACTICE%20DEBRIEF%20V1%20(2).webp)
Friday DebriefCan Verstappen conquer McLaren again in Austin?