Mercedes driver George Russell led first practice for the Barcelona Grand Prix, setting the fastest time of 1m16.363s on a hot Friday afternoon at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Russell's lap on Pirelli medium tyres came around the halfway point of the one-hour session and remained unbeaten. McLaren's Oscar Piastri finished second, 0.203s behind, also on mediums.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc placed third in an upgraded SF-26 car, 0.520s off the pace. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth, followed by McLaren substitute Leonardo Fornaroli in fifth.
Several reserve and rookie drivers took part, including Paul Aron for Audi in sixth, Liam Lawson, Dino Beganovic for Ferrari, and Colton Herta for Cadillac. Williams reserve Luke Browning did not run due to electrical issues on Alex Albon's car.
