In line with expectations, Mercedes led the timesheets on Friday in Sochi. Both the first and second free practice sessions were completed by Valtteri Bottas as the fastest, with Lewis Hamilton in his wake. Max Verstappen was unable to keep pace with his Red Bull Racing car, but won't be too worried about that this weekend. Red Bull and Honda have opted to swap the Dutchman's engine for the Russian Grand Prix. Sochi was already considered one of the best opportunities for the championship leader to take a grid penalty as painlessly as possible, especially after the grid penalty imposed after the incident with Lewis Hamilton at Monza. Read more Honda prioritizes Verstappen: 'First...
Full Story »