Russell fastest in Barcelona final practice; Antonelli frustrated by traffic
8 reported
George Russell set the fastest time in final practice for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, outpacing Oscar Piastri by two tenths of a second. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished seventh and expressed frustration after traffic forced him to abort two flying laps near the end of the session. Russell, who has failed to score points in the last two grands prix, aims to reduce his 68-point deficit to Antonelli in qualifying later Saturday. Charles Leclerc was 0.243 seconds behind Russell in the upgraded Ferrari, while Lando Norris was 0.246 seconds off the pace. Lewis Hamilton finished fifth, seven tenths behind Russell, and Max Verstappen placed sixth, indicating Red Bull is not contending for top positions. A red flag occurred when Valtteri Bottas suffered a brake failure and beached his Cadillac in the gravel at Turn 10. Qualifying is scheduled for 3pm UK time, with build-up from 2.15pm on Sky Sports F1 and Main Event.
What’s reported
George Russell was fastest in final practice, two tenths ahead of Oscar Piastri.
Kimi Antonelli finished seventh and aborted two flying laps due to traffic.
Antonelli said on the radio: "Oh my god, mate. It's unbelievable! Why do I always get traffic?!"
Russell has a 68-point deficit to Antonelli in the championship standings.
Charles Leclerc was 0.243s behind Russell; Lando Norris was 0.246s off the pace.
Lewis Hamilton was seven tenths behind Russell in fifth; Max Verstappen was sixth.
Valtteri Bottas caused the only red flag of the weekend after a brake failure at Turn 10.
Qualifying takes place Saturday at 3pm UK time, with build-up from 2.15pm.
Key figures
George Russell (Mercedes driver)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren driver)
Kimi Antonelli (championship leader, Mercedes driver)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari driver)
Lando Norris (McLaren driver)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes driver)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull driver)
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull driver)
Nico Hulkenberg (Audi driver)
Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls driver)
Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac driver)
Karun Chandhok (Sky Sports F1 commentator)
Sources: Sky Sports
