F1 news LIVE: Lewis Hamilton fastest in testing as drivers react after Russian Grand Prix cancelled

Sarah Rendell

February 25, 2022 at 12:20 PM·73 min read

Follow all the action from the final day of pre-season testing in Barcelona as Formula 1 continues to build towards the start of the 2022 season.

It was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who led on day two with a time of 1:19:689 in the post-lunch session, bettering his teammate Carlos Sainz who had set pace in the morning. There were encouraging signs again for McLaren too, with Daniel Ricciardo finishing in third after Lando Norris led the standings on Wednesday. There were few positives to reap for Lewis Hamilton, who finished bottom, although George Russell fared better in the Mercedes and ended the day in fourth. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s preparations were hampered by a gearbox issue, causing the morning session to be red-flagged.

Meanwhile, away from the track, F1 have confirmed the Russian Grand Prix will not take place following the escalating crisis in Ukraine. Sebastian Vettel had already made clear that he would boycott the race, with Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto revealing that teams met last night “to try to understand what the situation is and how to cope and how to manage it.”

Follow all the latest news, lap times and results from Barcelona below.

F1 pre-season testing, day 3

Lewis Hamilton goes fastest at end on day 3
George Russell (Mercedes) goes quickest in early running on day 3
Fernando Alonso grids to a halt as Alpine withdraw from day 3
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc quickest on day 2
F1 cancels Russian Grand Prix

F1 testing: Mazepin’s Haas future

17:20 , Sarah Rendell

There has been a lot of talk about whether Nikita Mazepin will remain with the Haas team with team principal Gunther Steiner ambiguous when he was asked about it earlier today.

The questions have come due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When Steiner was asked about Mazepin’s future, he said: “It needs to be resolved. There are governments involved and I have no power over them and we need to see how the situation develops in Ukraine.”

Mazepin has been involved in the team’s testing on day three and released a tweet, saying: “To my fans and followers - it’s a difficult time and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done.

“I’m choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my @HaasF1Team . My deepest thanks for your understanding and support.”

There’s the flag! Hamilton fastest

17:06 , Jamie Braidwood

1. Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m19.138s, C5, 94 laps2. Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.233s, C5, 66 laps3. Perez (Red Bull) 1m19.556s, C4, 74 laps4. Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3, 59 laps5. Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m19.824s, C5, 48 laps6. Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m19.831s, C3, 44 laps7. Sainz (Ferrari) 1m20.072s, C3, 92 laps8. Albon (Williams) 1m20.318s, C4, 94 laps9. Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 13 laps10. Ricciardo (McLaren) 1m20.790s, C3, 86 laps11. Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 52 laps12. Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps13. Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 41 laps14. Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps15. Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps16. Bottas (Alfa Romeo) 1m30.433s, I, 10 laps

F1 testing: Hamilton goes fastest

16:59 , Jamie Braidwood

It had been coming! Hamilton sets the new fastest time of the day, knocking teammate Russell off top spot with a flying 1m19.141s.

And then he does it again! More purple on the board from Hamilton as he scraps 0.003s off his time, just moments before the end of the day.

F1 testing: Perez goes second, Hamilton third

16:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Perez now moves ahead of Verstappen into second with a 1m19.556s.

Hamilton threatens top spot after setting the fastest first sector of the day, but he finishes with a 1m19.556s to go third.

Russell remains out in front.

F1 testing: Personal best for Hamilton

16:23 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s just Perez and Hamilton out there on the track - and I wonder if they’ll be tempted to race each other like they did at Abu Dhabi?!

Instead, the pair both set fastest times of the day. Hamilton clocks a 1m20.410s, just after Perez set 1m20.441s.

F1 testing: Who has been the fastest over the three days?

16:00 , Sarah Rendell

There have been a lot of good laps over the past three testing days but there will always be the quickest lap and that goes to Mercedes’ George Russell for his lap today.

There is still an hour left of testing but with the more difficult conditions, it’s fair to say that the Mercedes newcomer will take the crown. It’s interesting Russell has gone fastest with his teammate Lewis Hamilton not in the top ten. A changing of the guard in the team?

There’s also a good mix of teams which could translate into a hugely competitive season.

Here are the top ten fastest laps:

1. Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.233s, C5 (Day 3)

2. Norris (McLaren) 1m19.568s, C4 (Day 1)

3. Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m19.689s, C3 (Day 2)

4. Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3 (Day 3)

5. Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m19.824s, C5 (Day 3)

6. Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m19.918s, C4 (Day 2)

7. Ricciardo (McLaren) 1m20.288s, C4 (Day 2)

8. Albon (Williams) 1m20.318s, C4 (Day 3)

9. Sainz (Ferrari) 1m20.416s, C3 (Day 1)

10. Perez (Red Bull) 1m20.452s, C2 (Day 3)

F1 testing: Approaching the final hour of testing

15:45 , Sarah Rendell

It’s been an interesting day of testing with Alonso’s car causing a red flag due to smoke and Gasly veering off the track.

There’s also been developments in the sport with the F1 saying it’s impossible for the Russian GP to go ahead.

Mercedes look as though they will record the fastest time on day three which will be a relief for the big team as McLaren and Ferrari had been leading the way so far.

Aston Martin won’t be racing again though as they can’t fix their car in time. They said on Twitter: “Despite the team’s best efforts, we will not be running again today. We’d like to thank the team for all their hard work. We go again in Bahrain.”

Here’s the lap times as they stand:

Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.233s, C5, 66 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3, 59 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m19.824s, C5, 48 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m19.831s, C3, 44 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m20.318s, C4, 52 laps, Perez (Red Bull) 1m20.452s, C2, 46 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 13 laps, Ricciardo (McLaren) 1m20.790s, C3, 51 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 52 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Sainz (Ferrari) 1m21.776s, C4, 57 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 41 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps, Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m23.020s, C2, 65 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps, Bottas (Alfa Romeo) 1m30.433s, I, 10 laps

F1 testing: Is the Russian GP cancelled or suspended?

15:30 , Sarah Rendell

The announcement came from Formula 1 earlier today that they thought it “impossible” to go ahead with the Russian GP due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Rosgonki, promoters of the Russian Grand Prix, say the event is suspended not cancelled.

In a statement the promoters said: “According to the official statement released by Formula 1 on 25/02/2022, due to the current political situation in the world, the FIA have decided to suspend preparations for the Formula 1 World Championship round in Russia, previously scheduled to be held in Sochi in September 2022, because it is impossible to hold it in the current circumstances.

“The agreement between the official Russian Grand Prix promoter ANO ‘ROSGONKI’ and FORMULA 1 is suspended due to force majeure events.

“The purchased tickets are not cancelled – there is no need to get refunds for them now because it is still possible the round will take place and will be held as previously scheduled.

“ANO ‘ROSGONKI’ continues its business as usual, providing services to the Sochi Autodrom guests, as well as organising and holding motorsport and other events of the federal, regional and municipal level as part of the event calendar approved.”

F1 testing: All you need to know about Drive to Survive

15:15 , Sarah Rendell

The latest season of Drive to Survive will be released on Netflix on 11 March.

It is due to display the title battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen and the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While Hamilton may be open to appearing in the show, Verstappen isn’t and he’s explained why.

He told AP: “They faked a few rivalries which they don’t really exist. So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show.

“I am not really a dramatic show kind of person, I just want facts and real things to happen.”

We’ll also see insight into Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, the midfield battle and more.

For all the details you need on the hit documentary, read our piece below:

F1 Drive to Survive season 4 release date and everything we know

F1 testing: Lap time update

15:00 , Sarah Rendell

We are closing in on the penultimate hour of testing and we’ll see if the later drivers can knock George Russell off the top spot.

The morning session did have better weather so it’s not surprising that the afternoon session isn’t producing the best times. Well everyone but Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver has always been good in the wet and he isn’t disappointing today.

You’ll also notice there’s no Schumacher and that’s because Haas couldn’t fix the car. The team said: “Whilst we’d hoped that the car would be able to return this afternoon, the repair work is going to take several more hours, so unfortunately we will not be back on track today.”

Lap times are also coming down due to the conditions so Russell may well be the fastest on day three.

The standings are:

Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.233s, C5, 66 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3, 59 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m19.824s, C5, 48 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m19.831s, C3, 44 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 13 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 52 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Sainz (Ferrari) 1m21.776s, C4, 44 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 41 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 36 laps, Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m24.545s, C5, 42 laps, Ricciardo (McLaren) 1m24.896s, C3, 36 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps, Bottas (Alfa Romeo) 1m30.433s, I, 10 laps, Perez (Red Bull) 1m32.677s, I, 24 laps

F1 testing: Drivers react to Russian GP being called off

14:50 , Sarah Rendell

Lando Norris and George Russell have welcomed Formula One’s decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix due to the country’s attack on Ukraine.

“We all would have stood together in that,” Mercedes driver Russell said, as he appeared at a press conference alongside Norris and Pierre Gasly. “But fortunately the guys at the helm of Formula 1 and the FIA came to a conclusion very quickly so we didn’t have to make any difficult decisions.

So I’m thankful the decision has been made and so swiftly as well.”

Norris, who secured the first pole position of his F1 career at the Russian Grand Prix last season, said: “It’s sad to see what’s going on in the world right now.

“I think it’s a very good decision Formula 1 have made, because personally it’s not a place I would want to be going right now.

“It’s very sad to see everything that’s just going on and the innocent lives which are being taken as well.”

Read the full piece:

F1 drivers praise decision to cancel Russian Grand Prix

F1 testing: Hamilton feeling fresh

14:40 , Sarah Rendell

Despite Red Bull chief Helmut Marko saying Lewis Hamilton’s best day are behind him, the British star says he is “feeling fresh”.

Hamilton is bidding for his eighth world title which would see him eclipse the record he shares with F1 legend Michael Schumacher.

“I feel the freshest that I ever have,” he told media personnel in Barcelona.

“Of course, there are so many different ways you can re-focus and get re-centred, and I would say this [break] was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.”

And the star says his time away from the spotlight between seasons has helped him.

“It was definitely more about being present and in the moment, and creating memories,” he said. “I know sometimes in life, we get so focused and stuck into certain things like work that we forget to do those things.

“So it was a great time, just refreshing with the family. It was the best period of time I’ve actually ever had with my family.”

F1 testing: Will a record be broken?

14:30 , Sarah Rendell

The drivers are testing their new cars at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The track then shortened to 4.62km between 2004-06 as Giancarlo Fisichella set the new fastest time in his Renault R25, of 1:15.641.

Between 2007-2020, an extra bend was added before the final corner which slowed the circuit considerably. During this period Valtteri Bottas recorded the fastest time in his Mercedes, notching 1:18.13.

In 2021 the La Caixa hairpin was remodelled to make it safer. Max Verstappen set the fastest time, completing a lap in his Red Bull in 1:18.149.

In summary, Italian driver Fisichella is the surprising holder of the fastest F1 lap around the Circuit de Catalunya, but the quickest around the modern shaped track – albeit only raced over one season – is Verstappen.

F1 testing: Haas back on the track shortly

14:23 , Sarah Rendell

Haas’ Nikita Mazepin had to cut his session short due to an oil leak this morning but the team have now released an update.

They say repairs are nearly done and Mick Schumacher will be in the car shortly. Can he make an impact on the times?

The results as they stand are:

Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.233s, C5, 66 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3, 59 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m19.824s, C4, 48 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m19.831s, C3, 44 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 13 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 52 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 41 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 32 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps, Bottas (Alfa Romeo) 1m33.756s, I, 4 laps, Perez (Red Bull) 1m34.691s, I, 23 laps, Sainz (Ferrari) 1m35.226s, W, 26 laps, Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m38.148s, I, 29 laps, Ricciardo (McLaren) 1m38.474s, I, 26 laps

F1 testing: Mazepin Haas future in doubt

14:20 , Sarah Rendell

Nikita Mazepin’s future in Formula One is in doubt after Haas removed the branding of Russian sponsor Uralkali from its car following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Haas principal Guenther Steiner said a decision would be made next week of whether the team would drop Uralkali, which was founded by Mazepin’s father Dmitry and has links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, and said Mazepin’s own future with the team was out of his hands.

Steiner told Sky Sports: “There are legal matters involved which we will solve next week.

“We have discussed it [with Dmitry and Nikita] but I cannot discuss any details. No government has been in contact with us. We took charge of the decision ourselves.”

Read the full story here:

Nikita Mazepin’s F1 future in doubt after Haas remove branding of key Russian sponsor

F1 testing: Hamilton wants more female stewards

14:10 , Sarah Rendell

Lewis Hamilton has called for there to be more female stewards in Formula 1.

The seven-time world champion also believes that bias is a problem among the current group of stewards, alleging that some travel with current drivers on the grid to race weekends.

“I want to see more women in the stewards’ room, last year [we had] maybe one or two,” Hamilton said at pre-season testing in Barcelona.

“It would be awesome to have a male and female as the two race directors. We need to make sure we’ve got non-biased stewards.

“Race drivers, some are very, very good friends with certain individuals, some travel with some individuals, take a more keen liking to some. I think [F1 needs] people who have no biases, and are super central when it comes to making decisions.”

Read the full story:

Lewis Hamilton calls for more female stewards in Formula 1

F1 testing: Who will claim the titles this year?

14:00 , Sarah Rendell

The testing gives pundits and fans an idea of how teams are going to perform but we won’t know for certain until the season gets underway. That will happen in March in Bahrain.

However, we all like to have an idea on who could claim the the titles up for grabs and so we have looked into the odds.

These are via Sportsbook SBK:

Drivers Championship

Lewis Hamilton - 2/1

Max Verstappen - 4/1

George Russell - 13/2

Charles Leclerc - 17/2

Lando Norris - 14/1

Carlos Sainz - 15/1

Daniel Ricciardo - 23/1

Constructors Championship

Mercedes - Evens

Red Bull - 7/2

Ferrari - 4/1

McLaren - 23/2

AlphaTauri - 19/1

F1 testing: Red Bull boss doubts how long Hamilton can excel

13:50 , Sarah Rendell

Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has questioned how long Lewis Hamilton can continue to be at the top of Formula 1.

Hamilton, 37, has won seven titles and came close to a record eighth last season after an extremely impressive second half of the campaign. But Marko believes the British star will soon not be able to put in those performances.

“Hamilton delivered an incredible second half of the season,” said the 78-year-old to OE2. “I can hardly imagine he can drive at this level for much longer. He’s at his zenith now, age is slowly coming into play.”

However, when asked if his driver Max Verstappen will be able to continue his good form he said: “He’s World Champion now and he will get stronger.”

F1 testing: Williams swap drivers again

13:48 , Sarah Rendell

Williams have swapped their drivers back over. Albon started this morning with Latifi taking the seat and now the opposite has happened.

This feeds into the team’s want to test their drivers in different conditions. This morning it was clear whether, a bit cloudy, but now it is heavily raining so it’s the perfect opportunity to give Albon time in horrid weather.

Latifi’s best time has been 1m20.699s with Albon’s best so far 1m22.652s. Will he go quicker?

F1 testing: How are the new drivers faring?

13:40 , Sarah Rendell

The second session of the day has been underway for 40 minutes now with some drivers still trickling onto the track. The conditions this afternoon have changed a lot from this morning with the heavens opening.

George Russell was the fastest from this morning’s session and so has anyone yet managed to eclipse his time? They haven’t just yet with only a select few recording times.

Here are the full results as they stand:

Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.233s, C5, 66 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3, 59 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m19.824s, C4, 48 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m19.831s, C3, 44 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 13 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 52 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 41 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 21 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps, Ricciardo (McLaren) 1m40.146s, I, 18 laps, Sainz (Ferrari) 1m41.808s, W, 5 laps, Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m43.286s, I, 8 laps, Perez (Red Bull) 1m48.695s, I, 5 laps

F1 testing: Drivers react to Russian GP decision

13:30 , Sarah Rendell

It was confirmed earlier today that the Formul1 have decided not to have a Russian Grand Prix in the wakes of their invasion of Ukraine.

Many of the drivers put up to the media were asked about it at the press conference.

Haas driver Mick Schumacher said: “We all heard the horrible news that war started and I think that’s something that affects us all. Personally [it] makes me really sad to see [this].

“In terms of the effect on the team I’m not the right person to ask, but I think we should all hope and pray for Ukraine.”

And Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz added: I’m happy that everything has been cancelled.

“Innocent people [are] losing their lives, at this time you have to put everything in perspective of what’s going on in the world,” says Stroll. “It’s very scary times and we definitely have to just pray and hope things will be OK. It’s very hard to watch, I think Formula 1 has definitely made the right decision.”

F1 testing: Change of driver

13:20 , Sarah Rendell

The afternoon session is underway and there are new drivers in the cars!

Here is how each team now lines up: Mercedes: Hamilton, Red Bull: Perez, Ferrari: Sainz, McLaren: Ricciardo, Alpine: Ocon, AlphaTauri: Tsunoda, Aston Martin: Stroll, Williams: Albon, Alfa Romeo: Bottas, Haas: Schumacher.

There was a pres conference with the drivers of the morning session, though Nikita Mazepin wasn’t included, and quotes from that will be updated here shortly...

F1 testing: Mazepin updates fans

13:10 , Sarah Rendell

There has been a lot of talk about whether Nikita Mazepin will remain with the Haas team with team principal Gunther Steiner ambiguous when he was asked about it earlier today.

“I’m choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my @HaasF1Team . My deepest thanks for your understanding and support.”

To my fans and followers - it's a difficult time and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done. I'm choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my @HaasF1Team . My deepest thanks for your understanding and support. 🙏
— Nikita Mazepin (@nikita_mazepin) February 25, 2022

F1 testing: How much would an F1 team cost?

13:00 , Sarah Rendell

have you ever thought how much it would be to introduce a new F1 team into the sport? Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has discussed it and it’s an obscene amount of money.

He said: “Every team that is joining needs to add value. It’s not only by paying a $200m entry fee but it needs to demonstrate in my opinion what it can do for all the other teams and for Formula 1 and the FIA. Only then the sport will grow.

“We are the absolute pinnacle, this is the Champions League or the NFL. And redistributing franchises on the go is not how it should be. It’s not the intention of F1 and the FIA either.

“But if a real brand with good people, necessary funding, not only the $200m but probably you need more around $1bn if you want to play in this club straight from the get-go – then why not?”

Read the full piece:

New F1 team would need to offer $1billion, claims Toto Wolff

F1 testing: Bottas feeling the pressure

12:40 , Sarah Rendell

Valtteri Bottas makes his debut for Alfa Romeo this season after leaving Mercedes at the end of the last campaign.

The star says he feels “responsibility” for his new team as he has been named a team leader for the first time in his career. At Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton took the reins.

“Alfa Romeo has a great heritage in the automotive industry and also racing, so driving for the brand is a big responsibility,” Bottas told Motorsport.com, “and actually, for the first time in my career, I’m the more experienced driver of the team, I think it’s about time because I’m starting my 10th season.

“So, I definitely feel like I have the responsibility to guide the team and help the team and giving everything I have.”

F1 testing: Hamilton on tyre bluffs

12:20 , Sarah Rendell

Lewis Hamilton is known to be heard complaining about his tyres only to go on and race the fastest lap. But he is treading a fine line as his tyre bluffs could potentially confuse his team.

The seven-time champ has spoken about the issue. “Sometimes, the worst thing if you bluff your own teams. So you’ve got to be careful,” he told CrowdStrike’s YouTube channel.

“In the past, there have been times where it’s worked in benefit but it’s a very, very, very fine line. The other teams are listening to what you’re saying, so everyone is listening out to who’s pitting when.”

It will be interesting to see if he changes his tactic this season or if there will be a tell to determine when he’s bluffing.

F1 testing: Formula 1 will not go to Russia

12:14 , Sarah Rendell

Formula 1 have made the decision not to race in Russia in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

They have said in a statement: “The FIA Formula 1 Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together.

“We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation. On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.”

For more on this breaking story, click below:

Formula 1 cancel Russian Grand Prix in wake of Ukraine invasion

F1 testing: FIA refute bias stewards claim

12:00 , Sarah Rendell

Lewis Hamilton’s accusations of possible bias among race stewards has provoked a quick response from the FIA.

The Mercedes man spoke on Wednesday about a lack of diversity in the stewards’ room, calling for more female representation among those in the hotseats, adding that it “would be awesome to have a male and female as the two race directors.”

“We need to make sure we’ve got non-biased stewards,” he said. “Race drivers, some are very, very good friends with certain individuals, some travel with some individuals, take a more keen liking to some.”

But the FIA rebutted his claims and backed the “independent” approach taken by all officials who partake on race days.

“The FIA is proud of its global stewarding pathway that connects and develops the most talented stewards from across motor sport,” the organisation told the Press Association.

“This has resulted in a strong, independent and experienced group of officials who carry out their work with impartiality and the utmost professionalism.”

FIA reject Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of ‘biased’ stewards

F1 testing: Results as they stand

11:46 , Sarah Rendell

Here’s how everyone stands as we close in on the third hour of day three testing.

Despite a slow start George Russell leads the pack with Max Verstappen behind him. Haas have had a suspected oil leak and so haven’t been able to put out the laps they would have hoped for.

But there’s worse news for Alpine who are out. They said in a statement: “After further investigations in the garage following Fernando Alonso’s on-track stoppage earlier this morning, the team can confirm the issue was a problem with the hydraulics. A minor sealing issue led to a fire in the back of the car.

“The team has successfully completed 266 laps during the three days of the Barcelona shakedown. Repairs on the car will continue, and as a result we won’t be running for the remainder of the day. We look forward to be back in action at the next test in Bahrain.”

Here are the results as they stand:

Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.233s, C5, 63 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3, 55 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m19.824s, C4, 45 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m20.092s, C3, 41 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 5 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 51 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 39 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 21 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps

F1 testing: McLaren boss discusses Russian GP

11:40 , Sarah Rendell

There are so many press conferences happening and I’m trying to stay on top of them! This update is from McLaren where team principal Andreas Seidl has spoken about whether the F1 will hold a grand prix in Russia.

The boss said: “As you know Formula 1, FIA and the teams, we all met last night, which was a productive meeting, an open discussion where we as McLaren made our position clear that from our point of view the Russian GP is untenable under the current circumstances.

“Please understand that I cannot disclose any more regarding those conversations but we can expect F1 as well making a statement imminently.”

The testing session is also now back underway after a red flag was raised for Zhou.

F1 testing: Doubt over Mazepin’s Haas future

11:30 , Sarah Rendell

Gunther Steiner has not said if Mazepin will stay or leave Haas ahead of the 2022 season. The driver is Russian and the questions have arisen due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In his press conference, Steiner said: “It needs to be resolved. There are governments involved and I have no power over them and we need to see how the situation develops in Ukraine.”

He added that the team will continue in the F1 after questions were raised over their financial situation with their sponsor also Russian.

Steiner said: “The team are not affected by this. I spoke to them yesterday and told them there is nothing to worry about. We took the right decision to send a message to everyone.”

The team have been driving without the sponsor’s branding on the cars on day three of testing.

F1 testing: Vettel trying to “tame” new car

11:24 , Sarah Rendell

Aston Martin could be one of the teams to cause an upset this season and driver Sebastian Vettel says he is trying to “tame” his new car.

“In all honesty, there’s still an awful lot to understand,” said Vettel, quoted by Motorsport.com. “It’s a completely different animal and it wants to be tamed in a different way. That’s driving the car but also operating, in terms of set-up.

“We’ve tried a couple of things. There are some major challenges like others are also facing, and problems. So we need to find solutions.

“There’s still a lot to learn for me with a car that wants to be driven in a different way and I’m playing with driving styles, what I can do. Equally we are playing with the car, trying to solve some of the problems we have, the challenges we face, find solutions. There’s still a lot to do.”

F1 testing: More from Steiner press conference

11:11 , Sarah Rendell

Haas’ team boss Gunther Steiner has been asked if the team have a contingency plan in place as their sponsor is based in Russia.

He replied: “We haven’t been planning for this. We monitored the situation, we’re not sat there ignorantly waiting.

“But I have never experienced something like this so I didn’t know how it would go down.”

He has also said the team have been making decisions on whether to remove Uralkali, the Russian sponsor, moving forward. They will not release a statement until next week.

He was also asked if they will be sticking by Nikita Mazepin, who is Russian, and he said: “There are legal issues we have to go through and then we see what comes out.”

We will bring you more from that as it comes.

F1 testing: Steiner speaks to media

11:06 , Sarah Rendell

Gunther Steiner has started his press conference by apologising for having to withdraw from taking questions yesterday. He says it was down to “urgent issues”.

We will bring you more updates from that presser when we have them, it will be interesting what he says about their sponsor.

Back on the track there’s been another red flag and this time it’s Alfa Romeo’s Zhou. It only took five minutes for another to be shown after the testing restarted following Gasly veering off the track.

Zhou had set a personal best in the second sector but has now stopped in the final part of the track

F1 testing: Sainz “feeling differences” with other cars

11:05 , Sarah Rendell

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz says he can feel “differences” between his team’s car and other teams’ - in a positive way.

Ferrari has been among the fastest during testing, albeit with Charles Leclerc behind the wheel, but it is a big improvement on where the team has been in recent years. In 2020 they had their worst season for 40 years.

Sainz said: “We did that on purpose obviously, and I can tell you I already felt some differences.

“It’s pretty obvious already and I’m relatively positive about it – optimistic that it’s, I think, going in the right direction.”

F1 testing: Testing restarts

11:00 , Sarah Rendell

The third day of testing has restarted after Gasly seemed to veer off the track. It also coincides with when Haas team principal Gunther Steiner is due to face the media.

Haas has removed a sponsor from its car today as it is based in Russia. The team boss didn’t answer questions yesterday but it is thought he’ll face reporters today.

Ahead of all of that action taking place, here is how things stand:

Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.608s, C4, 56 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.756s, C3, 46 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m20.414s, C3, 31 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m20.685s, C3, 34 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 5 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 38 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 37 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 21 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps

F1 testing: Second red flag

10:50 , Sarah Rendell

There has been another red flag issued, this time for Pierre Gasly. I’m unsure what has happened with the AlphaTauri car but Gasly has been transported back to the team’s garage in a circuit car.

Gasly had stopped at turn five and pictures, which have started to come in, show his car off the track.

The first red flag this morning was caused by Alpine’s Fernando Alonso, whose car had tonnes of smoking bellowing from it.

It’s not clear what delays this will have on AlphaTauri’s test day but it has most definitely limited their time on the track.

Gasly had recorded Gasly 1m22.469s, C2, 40 laps.

F1 testing: Hamilton supports F1 decision to stop taking a knee

10:40 , Sarah Rendell

Lewis Hamilton supports Formula 1‘s decision to scrap drivers all taking the knee together before races.

“I’ve not put a huge amount of thought to it but, of course, I do think what Stefano said makes sense, that it is about action now, and so that’s something that I look forward to seeing over a period of time,” he said while in Barcelona for pre-season testing.

“Things like, for example, I had a great call last year with all the teams about getting included in this charter, so that every team is trying to push for diversity.

“I guess just really rather than just talking about these things and making those gestures, actually really pushing [for change].”

To read the full piece, click below:

Lewis Hamilton supports F1’s decision to stop drivers collectively taking a knee

F1 testing: Russell first to 50 laps

10:31 , Sarah Rendell

George Russell has impressed this morning after a slow start. He was four seconds slower than Red Bull’s Max Verstappen but he has now taken the lead.

It will be interesting to see if/when Mercedes switch drivers for Lewis Hamilton to take the seat. But the newcomer seems very comfortable in his new machinery.

The intrateam battle between Russell and Hamilton will be intriguing this season. Valtteri Bottas believes Hamilton will remain the main driver for Toto Wolff’s team but former driver Ralf Schumacher can see Russell take the reins.

Russell (Mercedes) 1m19.608s, C4, 51 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.765s, C3, 41 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m20.414s, C3, 26 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m20.685s, C3, 34 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 5 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 38 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 37 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 39 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 21 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps

F1 testing: Updated results

10:24 , Sarah Rendell

It’s been quite the day already on the third day of testing with Fernando Alonso’s car smoking, Verstappen and Alonso switching hands in the lead and a potential oil leak from Haas.

There is supposed to be a press conference at 11am GMT so I will bring you all the quotes from that one.

But for now here is a list of the updated results with Red Bull’s Verstappen still in the lead:

Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m19.765s, C3, 41 laps, Russell (Mercedes) 1m20.556s, C3, 47 laps, Latifi (Williams) 1m20.699s, C4, 5 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.827s, C3, 38 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m20.934s, C3, 29 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m21.733s, C2, 23 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.939s, C3, 36 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m22.469s, C2, 39 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 21 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps

F1 testing: Haas removes branding

10:19 , Sarah Rendell

Haas took team boss Guenther Steiner out of the press conference yesterday after anticipating questions about their Russian sponsor Uralkali in the wake of the country invading Ukraine.

In today’s testing, the branding is no longer on the car and the team are putting Steiner up for questions today, due to happen at 11am GMT.

The team have pulled Nikita Mazepin, who is from Russia, from the press conference though.

Here’s a look at the changed Haas car, no updates on their potential oil leak either.

And here’s the white-liveried Haas being driven by Nikita Mazepin today pic.twitter.com/Tx4V7DOZvr
— Ian Parkes (@ianparkesf1) February 25, 2022

F1 testing: Hamilton trying not to confuse team with tyre bluffs

10:14 , Sarah Rendell

Lewis Hamilton is known to be heard complaining about his tyres only to go on and race the fastest lap. But he is treading a fine line as his tyre bluffs could potentially confuse his team.

The seven-time champ has spoken about the issue. “Sometimes, the worst thing if you bluff your own teams. So you’ve got to be careful,” he told CrowdStrike’s YouTube channel.

It will be interesting to see if he changes his tactic this season or if there will be a tell to determine when he’s bluffing.

F1 testing: Potential problem for Haas

10:05 , Sarah Rendell

It’s been reported there may have been an oil leak in Haas’s car, if true it could see a large portion of their day taken up by an engine change.

So far Mazepin has so far recorded 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps - more on this as the story develops.

We have also had our first driver change as Nicholas Latifi is in for Alex Albon. The new driver has already gone two seconds faster than his teammate, recording 1m20.699s, C4, 5 laps.

It’s so interesting to see how different drivers perform in the same cars. All updated results incoming shortly.

F1 testing: Bottas feels “responsibility” for Alfa Romeo

09:58 , Sarah Rendell

Valtteri Bottas makes his debut for Alfa Romeo this season after leaving Mercedes at the end of the last campaign.

The star says he feels “responsibility” for his new team as he has been named a team leader for the first time in his career. At Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton took the reins.

“So, I definitely feel like I have the responsibility to guide the team and help the team and giving everything I have.”

F1 testing: Russell closing in on Verstappen

09:49 , Sarah Rendell

Ah the commentators curse, I had questioned if Mercedes were struggling as they were four seconds behind Red Bull’s Verstappen.

However, Mercedes newcomer Russell has cut it down to thousands of a second - a title battle could be on the cards once again! The star has managed to cut the time down in just 10 laps, no wonder why so many people are discussing whether he will take the Mercedes crown.

Updated results:

Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m20.683s, C3, 27 laps, Russell (Mercedes) 1m20.767s, C3, 34 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m20.862s, C3, 27 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m22.652s, C2, 21 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m22.778s, C3, 18 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m22.859s, C2, 21 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m23.054s, C2, 21 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m24.204s, C2, 22 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps

F1 testing: How much would it cost for a new F1 team?

09:44 , Sarah Rendell

Russell and Albon are among a few out on track at the moment and we’ll bring you those updated race times when we have them.

In the meantime, have you ever thought how much it would be to introduce a new F1 team into the sport? Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has discussed it and it’s an obscene amount of money.

“We are the absolute pinnacle, this is the Champions League or the NFL. And redistributing franchises on the go is not how it should be. It’s not the intention of F1 and the FIA either.

“But if a real brand with good people, necessary funding, not only the $200m but probably you need more around $1bn if you want to play in this club straight from the get-go – then why not?”

Read the full piece:

New F1 team would need to offer $1billion, claims Toto Wolff

F1 testing; FIA reject bias stewards claim

09:35 , Sarah Rendell

Lewis Hamilton’s accusations of possible bias among race stewards has provoked a quick response from the FIA.

But the FIA rebutted his claims and backed the “independent” approach taken by all officials who partake on race days.

“The FIA is proud of its global stewarding pathway that connects and develops the most talented stewards from across motor sport,” the organisation told the Press Association.

“This has resulted in a strong, independent and experienced group of officials who carry out their work with impartiality and the utmost professionalism.”

FIA reject Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of ‘biased’ stewards

F1 testing: Verstappen back on top

09:26 , Sarah Rendell

It’s been a good day for Red Bull so far and it keeps getting better as defending champion Max Verstappen is back in the lead.

He had taken top spot earlier in the session before Alonso went faster but the Red Bull man has managed an even quicker time.

The Dutchman will be hoping this is how the season starts and continues as he bids for a second world title.

Results so far: Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m20.683s, C3, 26 laps, Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m21.397s, C3, 18 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m22.778s, C3, 15 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m22.859s, C2, 14 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m23.054s, C2, 21 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m23.618s, C2, 14 laps, Russell (Mercedes) 1m24.592s, C3, 24 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m24.938s, C2, 12 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m26.229s, C3, 9 laps

Could Mercedes be in trouble this season? Russell has done 24 laps this morning, only two less than Verstappen, but is four seconds slower than Red Bull.

F1 testing: Hamilton confident Mercedes will have title-winning car

09:18 , Sarah Rendell

So far in the testing it has been Ferrari and McLaren who have led the way but Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton insists his team will produce a title-winning car.

The British star is gunning for his eighth world title and says the team won’t let him down.

When asked if Hamilton was worried Mercedes wouldn’t have a car that challenges, he said: “Why would I ever feel that way? My team don’t make mistakes.

“Of course that is a risk (with the new regulations) but I trust the team. Whether it is good or bad we will work through it.”

Read the full story:

Lewis Hamilton confident Mercedes will deliver title-winning car

F1 testing: Pictures of Alonso’s car

09:08 , Sarah Rendell

It’s unclear if Alonso’s car was on fire or if smoke was emanating from it as marshals have got their extinguishers to it. The Alpine driver asked to stop due to pressure on the car but from the photos it looks a lot worse than that!

After a prolonged period under a red flag, the testing has been given the green light with seven cars already back on track.

F1 testing: Session still red flagged

09:04 , Sarah Rendell

I haven’t seen footage myself but reports suggest Alonso’s car caught fire which is why it is taking a little while to clear the track. The driver is all okay.

A recap of this morning’s timings in the meantime: Alonso (Alpine) 1m21.242s, C3, 12 laps, Norris (McLaren) 1m21.397s, C3, 9 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) 1m22.614s, C2, 13 laps, Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m22.778s, C3, 11 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m22.859s, C2, 12 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m24.319s, C2, 13 laps, Russell (Mercedes) 1m24.592s, C3, 17 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m24.938s, C2, 7 laps, Mazepin (Haas) 1m31.204s, C2, 5 laps, Albon (Williams) 1m46.860s, 5 laps

The 2022 F1 season is hotly anticipated but the expectation is also set up Netflix’s Drive to Survive. The streaming service has confirmed the series will return on 11 March and here are all the details you need to know:

F1 Drive to Survive season 4 release date and everything we know

F1 testing: Schumacher says Ferrari is his goal

08:54 , Sarah Rendell

Mick Schumacher is a reserve driver for Ferrari this season but will ply his trade for Haas as a main driver.

He drove well last year and will be targeting a higher spot in the driver standings to help out his team, who are yet to see real results in the F1.

“Ferrari is a goal for many drivers, and so it is for me,” he told RTL. “What I did last year was worth it. That teams see it, it’s a big step.”

Of course as well as Ferrari being a big team, it was the one Schumacher’s father Michael won his world titles in. Schumacher is paying tribute to the F1 legend by having seven stars on the top of his helmet, just as his father had on his.

Back on track at the testing, there has been the first red flag of the day with Alonso stopping in the final sector.

F1 testing: Lead exchanging hands

08:44 , Sarah Rendell

It’s now Alpine’s Fernando Alonso who has gone fastest with a time of 1m21.242s. We will continue to bring you all the updates from day three in Barcelona.

In the press rooms there have been a lot of questions surrounding the FIA’s decision to fire race director Michael Masi. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said earlier this week that it was “harsh” and it seems his driver Max Verstappen agrees with him.

“Of course people talk about what was decided in Abu Dhabi but can you imagine a referee in whatever sport has the coach or equivalent screaming in his ear all the time? ‘Yellow card, red card, no decision, no foul.’ It’s impossible to make a decision,” Verstappen said.

“That F1 allowed that team members could talk to him while making decisions is very wrong. It needed to be Michael making decisions on his own without people screaming in his ear.

“The people who sacked him allowed that in the first place. For me (that) is unacceptable and now to sack him I find it really incredible.

“I feel very sorry for Michael because he was very capable and a good race director. I have nothing against the new race directors. They are also very capable and good but I felt sad for Michael and I sent him a text.”

Full story:

Max Verstappen says Michael Masi was ‘thrown under the bus’ by FIA

F1 testing: Verstappen goes top

08:35 , Sarah Rendell

Charles Leclerc may have had the early lead on day three of testing but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has gone top by recording a time of 1m23.551s.

Haas are also out on the track now with Nikita Mazepin, who has completed five laps so far.

There aren’t too many action shots to bring you just yet but I’ll include the ones we have!

F1 testing: Vettel to protest Russia race

08:25 , Sarah Rendell

Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel has said he will not attend the Sochi Grand Prix as Russia has invaded Ukraine.

Formula 1 have said they are assessing the situation but haven’t yet called off the race which is due to go ahead in September.

Vettel said: “It’s horrible to see what is happening,” he said. “My own opinion is I should not go. I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in the country.

“I’m sorry for the people you know, innocent people that are losing their lives that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership. Personally, I’m just so shocked and sad to see what’s what’s going on. So, we will see going forward, but I think my decision is already made.”

Read the full piece:

‘My decision is already made’: Sebastian Vettel to boycott Russian Grand Prix

F1 testing: Cars already recording times

08:16 , Sarah Rendell

Ten cars have been out on the track already in this morning session and it’s no surprise that Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is the fastest.

While ten cars have been out, only three have recorded times with Leclerc a second faster than Mercedes’ George Russell. It’s so interesting to see how these new car regulations are impacting teams, especially Ferrari who have struggled in the past few seasons.

Here are a list of results so far:

Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m23.589s, C3, 5 laps, Russell (Mercedes) 1m24.592s, 7 laps, Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m38.375s, 5 laps, Verstappen (Red Bull) no time, 2 laps, Vettel (Aston Martin) no time, 4 laps, Zhou (Alfa Romeo) no time, 2 laps, Alonso (Alpine) no time, 1 lap, Albon (Williams) no time, 2 laps, Mazepin (Haas) no time, 1 lap, Norris (McLaren) no time

F1 testing, day 3

08:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Follow all the action from the final day of pre-season testing in Barcelona as Formula 1 continues to build towards the start of the 2022 season.

Meanwhile, away from the track, F1 said it was “closely watching” the crisis in Ukraine, with widespread calls for the Russian GP to be axed from the schedule. Sebastian Vettel was clear that he would boycott the race if it does go ahead, with Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto revealing that teams met last night “to try to understand what the situation is and how to cope and how to manage it.”

Williams CEO Jost Capito urges F1 to choose path wisely

Thursday 24 February 2022 19:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

“It’s a very sad situation and our thoughts are with the people who are involved,” Capito said. “We think about the performance of our cars where other people are scared to lose their lives. We have to have this in mind and we’re all aligned on this ... (F1) will take a proper and a right decision for all of us.”

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia shattered peace on the European continent and called for a summit of NATO alliance leaders.

Stoltenberg said that “this is a deliberate, cold-blooded and long-planned invasion.” And he charged that “Russia is using force to try to rewrite history.”

The Associated Press learned earlier Thursday that UEFA will no longer stage this season’s Champions League final in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

An extraordinary meeting of the UEFA executive committee will be held Friday when officials are set to confirm taking the May 28 showpiece game out of Russia, a person with knowledge of the process said Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private talks.

Meanwhile, German soccer team Schalke is removing the logo of Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom from its jerseys. The team said it will be replaced by lettering reading “Schalke 04” following what it called “recent developments.”

Other drivers respond to Russian invasion of Ukraine

Thursday 24 February 2022 18:39 , Lawrence Ostlere

World champion Max Verstappen agreed with Vettel but stopped short of saying he’d pull out. “I think when a country is at war it’s not correct to race there, that’s for sure,” Verstappen said. “But it’s not only what I think, it’s the whole paddock (that is) going to decide what we are going to do next.”

Two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso said: “We can make our own decisions for sure but eventually I think Formula One will do the best (thing).”

F1 said in a statement that it is “closely watching the very fluid developments” but made no further comment on whether the race in Sochi would be canceled. F1 team principals planned to meet Thursday night to discuss the situation.

“My wish is that somehow everything will stop very soon. We will have a meeting between us tonight, try to understand and how to cope and how to manage with it,” Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said. “A deep discussion (to) understand all the implications and the right choice for the future.”

Vettel says he will boycott Russian Grand Prix

Thursday 24 February 2022 18:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

Four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel says he will not race in the Russian Grand Prix in September after Russia launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine earlier Thursday, hitting cities and bases with airstrikes or shelling.After President Vladimir Putin defiantly announced he was launching a military operation, Ukraine’s government said Russian tanks and troops rolled across the border.“I woke up to this morning’s news shocked. I think it’s horrible to see what is happening. Obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia (on Sept. 25),” Vettel said Thursday at preseason testing in Barcelona.“My own opinion is I should not go, I will not go,” he said. “I think it’s wrong to race in the country. I’m sorry for the innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed (for) stupid reasons and a very strange and mad leadership.”The 34-year-old German is head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association but says they have not yet discussed the matter.“I’m sure it’s something we’ll talk about,” the Aston Martin driver said. “But personally I’m shocked and sad to see what’s going on, so we will see going forward but I think my decision is already made.”

Best photos from F1 pre-season testing

Thursday 24 February 2022 18:12 , Karl Matchett

All the new cars in all their early-season glory. Several caught the eye in Barcelona today.

#F1 - Second day of the 2022 @F1 pre-season session in Barcelona 🇪🇸 completed! Here are some of the best pictures of the day 📸 2/2 pic.twitter.com/8wYEZH3yfS
— FIA (@fia) February 24, 2022

More from Verstappen on Masi

Thursday 24 February 2022 17:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

It was suggested that Hamilton’s Mercedes team dropped its appeal against the outcome of the deeply contentious season finale on the proviso Masi was removed. Team principal Toto Wolff denied the claim at Mercedes’ recent launch. But Hamilton added further fuel to the fire here in Barcelona when he suggested the sport’s stewards are biased.

Masi, who took over from Charlie Whiting following the Englishman’s sudden death on the eve of the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, has been offered a lesser role by the FIA.

An animated Verstappen continued: “I feel really sorry and very sad for Michael because he was a capable and good race director. I sent him a text as well because it was not the right decision. It is very hard to take over from someone like Charlie.

“He had so much experience and Charlie had help around him. Maybe Michael just needed a little bit more? Everyone needs experience. I wish him all the best for whatever comes next. I hope it is better than being an F1 race director.”

Ferrari not getting carried away by strong early form

Thursday 24 February 2022 17:37 , Karl Matchett

Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto says they are “outsiders” this year, claiming he won’t pay too much attention to form in pre-season.

Between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Ferrari racked up the most laps on the first day - 153 - but Binotto isn’t concerned by that and is more focused on the team picking up data to help them throughout the next few weeks and the start of the season proper.

“I think it’s very early days,. It’s always great to have good consistency when running because it’s time to learn these new cars,” he said in a press conference.

“When you’re doing a lot of laps, you are certainly collecting data. So far I’m pleased by the fact that yesterday we did many laps, and this morning too, which is important. Regarding the pace, it’s very early to judge. What I can see is that we are all very close, which was one of the objectives of the new regulations.”

Verstappen defends Masi after sacking

Thursday 24 February 2022 17:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

Max Verstappen has accused Formula One’s rulers of throwing Michael Masi under the bus after he was sacked as the sport’s race director.

Verstappen, who benefitted from Masi’s incorrect handling of a late safety car period in Abu Dhabi to beat Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 world championship, also called the Australian’s dismissal “unacceptable” and “incredible”.

Under mounting pressure, Masi was formally removed from his post by the FIA last week. He will be replaced by two new race directors, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas. They will be supported by the 73-year-old Herbie Blash in a restructure of how the sport is refereed.

The sport will no longer televise the in-race conversations between the teams and the FIA. Both Mercedes and Red Bull lobbied Masi in the closing moments of the Abu Dhabi race.

Verstappen, speaking at length for the first time since Masi was fired, said: “For me, it is really unfair what happened to Michael because he has been thrown under the bus.

“Can you imagine a referee in whatever sport has a coach screaming in his ear all the time, yelling ‘yellow card, red card, no foul’? It is impossible to make a decision.

“The fact that F1 already allowed that whilst he was making decisions is wrong. It needed Michael making the decisions on his own. And for those who did sack him to allow that in the first place is unacceptable. I found it really incredible.”

Max Verstappen was critical of the FIA’s handling of Michael Masi’s departure (PA Wire/PA Images) (PA Wire)

Chequered flag - day two in Barcelona is over

Thursday 24 February 2022 17:21 , Karl Matchett

Mazepin creeps up to eighth late on for Haas, with Leclerc actually improving slightly too to widen the gap between himself and Gasly.

Tomorrow they’ll do it all over again, weather permitting, and then it’s all about two weeks of development to get rid of any issues and improve things which are already going well.

There might be a fair bit for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton to sort, judging by his timings, but perhaps this was more about testing and acclimatisation rather than all-out time trials today.

Lap times with 20 minutes to go

Thursday 24 February 2022 16:41 , Lawrence Ostlere

The latest times as day two testing nears a close:

1. Leclerc (Ferrari) 1m19.689s, C3, 63 laps

2. Gasly (AlphaTauri) 1m19.918s, C4, 134 laps

3. Ricciardo (McLaren) 1m20.288s, C4, 121 laps

4. Russell (Mercedes)1m20.537s, C3, 60 laps

5. Sainz (Ferrari) 1m20.546s, C3, 71 laps

6. Vettel (Aston Martin) 1m20.784s, C3, 64 laps

7. Albon (Williams) 1m21.531s, C3, 47 laps

8. Zhou (Alfa Romeo) 1m21.885s, C3, 64 laps

9. Latifi (Williams) 1m21.894s, C3, 61 laps

10. Stroll (Aston Martin) 1m21.920s, C2, 55 laps

11. Schumacher (Haas) 1m21.949s, C3, 66 laps

12. Mazepin (Haas) 1m22.046s, C3, 37 laps

13. Ocon (Alpine) 1m22.164s, C3, 119 laps

14. Bottas (Alfa Romeo) 1m22.288s, C3, 21 laps

15. Perez (Red Bull) 1m22.412s, C2, 63 laps

16. Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m22.562s, C2, 40 laps

Verstappen criticises Masi’s sacking

Thursday 24 February 2022 16:32 , Lawrence Ostlere

Max Verstappen on Michael Masi’s sacking by F1: “Can you imagine a referee in whatever sport has a coach screaming in his ear all the time, yelling ‘yellow card, red card, no foul’? It is impossible to make a decision. The fact that F1 already allowed that whilst he was making decisions is wrong.”

Full story:

Max Verstappen says Michael Masi was ‘thrown under the bus’ by FIA

Day two in Barcelona

Thursday 24 February 2022 16:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Some of the best images from the second day of testing at Circuit de Catalunya:

Mechanics move the car of Mercedes driver George Russell (AP)

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fastest on Thursday (AFP via Getty Images)

Mechanics work on the car of Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel (AP)

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez on track (Reuters)

Gasly overtakes Ricciardo in lap time standings

Thursday 24 February 2022 16:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

A couple of small changes in the lap time standings, as Piere Gasly jumps above Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren and into second among the quickest laps today, behind on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly pulls out of the garage (Getty Images)

Thursday 24 February 2022 16:10 , Dan Austin

Sebastian Vettel will boycott the Russian Grand Prix later this year in the wake of the escalating crisis in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin confirmed the start of a military operation in Ukraine early on Thursday morning as the situation in the region continues to worsen. Formula 1 have confirmed they are “closely watching” the situation but stopped short of calling off or moving the race, set for 25 September in Sochi.

“It’s horrible to see what is happening,” he said. “My own opinion is I should not go. I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in the country. I’m sorry for the people you know, innocent people that are losing their lives that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership,” he added.

You can read the full story here:

‘My decision is already made’: Sebastian Vettel to boycott Russian Grand Prix

Laptime standings with an hour to go

Thursday 24 February 2022 16:01 , Dan Austin

Just over one hour remains on day two of testing in Barcelona, and Daniel Ricciardo still leads the timesheets in his McLaren MCL36.

Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly follow him in second and third, will all three drivers setting their times on the C3 Pirelli tyres.

The full list of runners is below:

1) Leclerc — Ferrari — 1m19.804s, C2, 38 laps

2) Ricciardo — McLaren— 1m20.355s, C3, 101 laps

3) Gasly — Alpha Tauri — 1m20.542s, C3, 107 laps

4) Sainz — Ferrari — 1m20.546s, C3, 71 laps

5) Vettel — Aston Martin — 1m20.784s, C3, 52 laps

6) Albon — Williams — 1m21.531s, C3, 47 laps

7) Russell — Mercedes —1m21.734s, C2, 38 laps

8) Latifi — Williams — 1m21.894s, C3, 46 laps

9) Stroll — Aston Martin — 1m21.920s, C2, 55 laps

10) Schumacher — Haas — 1m21.949s, C3, 66 laps

11) Bottas — Alfa Romeo — 1m22.288s, C3, 21 laps

12) Perez — Red Bull — 1m22.412s, C2, 43 laps

13) Mazepin — Haas — 1m22.429s, C3, 24 laps

14) Hamilton — Mercedes — 1m22.562s, C2, 40 laps

15) Ocon — Alpine — 1m23.280s, C2, 112 laps

16) Zhou — Alfa Romeo — 1m23.808s, C2, 46 laps

Leclerc goes fastest for Ferrari

Thursday 24 February 2022 15:54 , Dan Austin

After of four hours at the top of the standings, Daniel Ricciardo has finally been replaced as leader, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc going fastest of all.

The Monegasque has dipped below the one-minute-twenties the fastest cars had set up until now, using the C3 tyres to put in a 1:18:804.

There’s just over an hour left to go in this session.

More teams reach 100 lap milestone

Thursday 24 February 2022 15:45 , Dan Austin

A few more teams have managed to reach the 100 lap milestone which Alpine were first to conquer a little earlier.

McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Alpha Tauri have all passed the threshold.

The McLaren has been showing good pace so far in Spain. (Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo still tops the timesheets with the 1:20:355 he set in the morning session on the C3 tyres.

Perez back on track for Red Bull

Thursday 24 February 2022 15:40 , Dan Austin

Sergio Perez is finally back out on track in Barcelona after his RB18 spent over four hours in the garage.

The new Red Bull car stopped on track in sector three in the morning session, bringing out the red flag, due to a gearbox issue that saw the car leaking fluid from its rear.

Perez has completed 41 laps so far and will hope to be able to put in as many as possible between now and the 5pm chequered flag as he looks to understand his new car as much as possible.

Zhou driving in first session of F1 career

Thursday 24 February 2022 15:31 , Dan Austin

Guanyu Zhou is out on track in the Alfa Romeo C52 as he takes part in the first test session of his Formula 1 career.

The 22-year-old is becoming the first full-time Chinese driver in the history of F1 after being promoted from F2 in place of Antonio Giovinazzi with the Swiss team, and has completed a strong 46 laps in Barcelona so far.

Guanyu Zhou is currently the slowest of 16 drivers on the laptime leaderboard. (Getty Images)

That is a much better figure than Valtteri Bottas this morning, who could only complete 21 laps, after the team was besieged by technical issues on the opening day of testing on Wednesday.

Red Bull still missing from afternoon session

Thursday 24 February 2022 15:22 , Dan Austin

Sergio Perez still hasn’t reappeared on track after a gearbox issue caused him to stop during this morning’s session at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The Mexican’s car was leaking fluid from the rear when it was hauled back to the pits, and the RB18 is still in the team’s garage.

Sergio Perez is missing out on important track time. (Getty Images)

Perez only managed 38 laps of running this morning and the loss of time will compromise both his understanding of the car and also the amount of data Red Bull are able to collect.

Session back underway as Alpine hit 100

Thursday 24 February 2022 15:13 , Dan Austin

The afternoon session is back underway and Alpine have become the first team to hit 100 laps of running on Thursday.

The French-owned squad have a brand new engine for 2022 and CEO Laurent Rossi said they have prioritised performance over reliability, but there have been no concerns so far.

Esteban Ocon is starting his third season with the Alpine team. (Getty Images)

Ocon is during the car for both stints today, and is currently 14th of 16 drivers on the laptime leaderboard.

Closer look at Mercedes’ new W13

Thursday 24 February 2022 15:04 , Dan Austin

Some nifty photography at the circuit in Barcelona is allowing us a closer look at Mercedes’ new W13 challenger for the 2022 season.

The car features wide inlets at the front of the sidepods, but doesn’t include the strip of vents which the likes of the Ferrari and Aston Martin are making use of. The car seems to have been suffering from porpoising, the term for significant rises and falls of the ride height at top speed, more often than some other teams’ machinery.

Mercedes have returned to their traditional silver livery with the W13. (AFP via Getty Images)

George Russell is piloting the car this afternoon after Lewis Hamilton drove 40 laps this morning.

Haas reveals cause of Mazepin problem

Thursday 24 February 2022 14:55 , Dan Austin

Haas has revealed the cause of the problem with caused Nikita Mazepin to stop on track a little earlier, bringing out the second red flag of the day’s running Barcelona.

The team says a fuel pump issue on its VF22 car was to blame.

The American-owned squad managed to complete an impressive 66 laps with Mick Schumacher behind the wheel in the morning session, but Mazepin only drove nine laps before being forced to stop.

Leclerc saddened by Ukraine situation

Thursday 24 February 2022 14:46 , Dan Austin

Charles Leclerc took part in the same press conference as Alonso and also offered a short comment on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying that he was saddened by the situation.

“[The Grand Prix Drivers Association, the F1 drivers’ union] will have to speak about it,” the Monegasque driver explained. “But to not go too much into details because to be honest I don’t have all the information about what’s happening. It’s very sad to see that, especially in 2022. Then we’ll take a decision, I think Formula 1 will probably take a decision and have more info than we do. I can’t express myself any more than that, I honestly don’t have all the information about it.”

Charles Leclerc was speaking at the pre-season test in Barcelona. (Getty Images)

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will chair a meeting of all ten team bosses this evening after the conclusion of the afternoon test session in Barcelona.

Alonso says F1 will take decision about Russia, not drivers

Thursday 24 February 2022 14:37 , Dan Austin

Sebastian Vettel said earlier this afternoon that he will refuse to race in Russia if Formula 1 does not cancel the Grand Prix scheduled to take place there in September, after Russia invaded Ukraine overnight.

Fernando Alonso also spoke about the situation in the lunchtime press conference but said he prefers to leave the decision for Formula 1 bosses.

Fernando Alonso is not driving for Alpine in Spain today. (Getty Images)

“I think it’s going to be Formula 1’s decision eventually,” said the Spaniard. “I think that we drivers we have our opinion and I’m sure it is the same one as everyone. [But] We don’t have the power to decide. Things like that we can make our own decision for sure but eventually I think that Formula 1 will do the best.”

Red flag is out again in Barcelona

Thursday 24 February 2022 14:28 , Dan Austin

The red flag is out for the second time today in Barcelona, and the session has been paused.

All cars are returning to the pits after Haas’ Nikita Mazepin stopped on the track in sector two.

Nikita is in the car this afternoon but he's had to stop out on track after nine laps.

The session is Red Flagged 🚩#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/tz75oSr4B2
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 24, 2022

Three teams closing in on 100 lap marker

Thursday 24 February 2022 14:25 , Dan Austin

Three Formula 1 teams are close to hitting the 100 lap mark on the second day of testing in Barcelona.

Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have been driving the Alpha Tauri and Alpine respectively since the morning session began at 8am, and the former has clocked up 91 tours of the circuit, while the latter follows closely behind on 89.

Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc are both on track in Barcelona. (Getty Images)

Ferrari, meanwhile, have swapped out Carlos Sainz in favour of Charles Leclerc, and those two have completed 88 laps so far between them.

F1 will undertake crisis meeting over Russian GP

Thursday 24 February 2022 14:14 , Dan Austin

A little more now on what Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto discussed in relation to the Russian Grand Prix earlier.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will chair a meeting involving all ten team bosses at the circuit in Barcelona following the conclusion of the afternoon session at today’s test.

Earlier this morning the option to purchase tickets for the Russian GP, scheduled for September as it stands, was removed from F1’s website and replace by possible purchases for a Turkish Grand prix in its place. F1 said the change was part of a website development error, but the probability of the race in Sochi being cancelled must now be considered extremely high.

Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of the morning.

Haas will need to react to Russian invasion of Ukraine

Thursday 24 February 2022 14:05 , Dan Austin

The Haas Formula 1 team is going to have to react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in some form.

The American-owned team runs in a red, blue, and white Russian flag livery due to the title sponsorship agreement it has with Russian fertiliser company Ural Kali. The firm’s oligarch owner Dmitry Mazepin finances the team so that his son Nikita can drive one of its cars. He is out on track in Barcelona right now.

Anti-Russian sentiment is no doubt going to increase exponentially around the world after the violent assault Vladimir Putin has launched on Ukraine, and an F1 car essentially draped in a great big Russian flag while a massive military conflict is ongoing is not going to go down well.

Barcelona striker Depay visits F1 testing

Thursday 24 February 2022 13:53 , Dan Austin

FC Barcelona striker Memphis Depay is attending the F1 test at the Circuit de Catalunya today, and seems to be a guest of the Alpha Tauri team.

The Netherlands international has been taking photos with drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda.

Memphis Depay joined Barcelona from Lyon last summer. (Getty Images)

Gasly was third fastest in the morning session, and is back out on track again this afternoon.

Verstappen says Masi was “thrown under the bus” by FIA

Thursday 24 February 2022 13:44 , Dan Austin

Max Verstappen says former F1 race director Michael Masi was thrown under the bus by the FIA.

The Australian was removed from his role last week after his unprecedented interpretation of safety car rules in Abu Dhabi essentially gifted Verstappen the title over Lewis Hamilton.

“I think it’s not correct,” Verstappen said. “For me, it’s very unfair what happened to Michael because he’s really been thrown under the bus.

“Of course people talk a lot about what was decided in Abu Dhabi, but can you imagine the referee in whatever sport having the coach or equivalent screaming in his ear all the time: ‘yellow card’, ‘red card’, ‘no decision’, ‘no foul’? It’s impossible to make a decision.

“I feel really sorry for Michael because I think he was a really capable and good race director,” the Dutchman added. “I have nothing against the new race directors because I think they are also very capable and very good race directors, but personally for Michael, I felt really sad and I sent him a text as well. So not the right decision.”

FIA reject Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of ‘biased’ stewards

Thursday 24 February 2022 13:35 , Dan Austin

Lewis Hamilton’s accusations of possible bias among race stewards has provoked a quick response from the FIA.

However, he also added his claim that some individuals currently in position failed to always take an objective view on situations, allowing their personal feelings for drivers to get in the way of applying regulations.

But the FIA rebutted his claims and backed the “independent” approach taken by all officials who partake on race days.

Full report:

FIA reject Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of ‘biased’ stewards

Binotto reveals F1 will meet to discuss Russia

Thursday 24 February 2022 13:28 , Dan Austin

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has also been discussing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and says F1 chiefs will hold a meeting to consider the situation and the staging of the Russian Grand Prix this evening.

“It’s an awful situation,” Binotto said. Very sad. All we can do is wait and see. From now until the race in September, there is time. My wish is for everything to stop very soon. We will have a meeting tonight to understand and manage the situation.”

Vettel and Gasly out on track

Thursday 24 February 2022 13:19 , Dan Austin

In amongst all of the discussion of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by drivers and team principals, the test is still going on, but it has been a quiet start to the second portion of today’s session.

Sebastian Vettel is first out on track in the Aston Martin, having taken over from Lance Stroll who drove the AMR22 this morning, and Pierre Gasly has joined him on circuit in the Alpha Tauri AT03.

Gasly is running the entire day for Italian outfit after Yuki Tsunoda did the same yesterday.

Drivers call for Russian Grand Prix to be cancelled

Thursday 24 February 2022 13:11 , Dan Austin

Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel have called for the 2022 Russian Grand Prix to be cancelled.

Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early hours of this morning across land, air and sea, as Vladimir Putin’s began the violent assault he has been threatening for months.

F1 released a statement earlier today saying it was monitoring events, and Verstappen and Vettel are determined a race should not place in Sochi.

“Obviously I woke up again to this morning’s news and I was shocked,” Vettel said. “I think it’s horrible to see what is happening and obviously if you look at the calendar we have a race scheduled in Russia. For myself, my opinion is I should not go — I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in the country. I’m sorry for the innocent people that are losing their lives, that are getting killed for stupid reasons and a very, very strange and mad leadership.”

Verstappen, meanwhile, said: “When a country is at war it is not right to the race there.”

Afternoon session underway in Barcelona

Thursday 24 February 2022 13:02 , Dan Austin

The second part of day of pre-season testing is underway in Barcelona.

All ten teams will be running this afternoon as they look to gather more data about their new machinery for the 2022 season, with Formula 1 entering a completely new era of car design.

McLaren were fastest in this morning’s session, and topped the timesheets yesterday too. Will they impress again here?

Hamilton supports F1’s decision to stop drivers collectively taking a knee

Thursday 24 February 2022 12:58 , Dan Austin

Lewis Hamilton supports Formula 1‘s decision to scrap drivers all taking the knee together before races.

The pre-race ‘We Race As One’ moment was originally brought in for start of the 2020 season and saw drivers given the opportunity to take a knee on the grid to protest against racism and promote social justice.

“Things like, for example, I had a great call last year with all the teams about getting included in this charter, so that every team is trying to push for diversity.”

You can read the full story here:

Lewis Hamilton supports F1’s decision to stop drivers collectively taking a knee

Details of runners for Barcelona F1 test afternoon session

Thursday 24 February 2022 12:49 , Dan Austin

The second test run of the day begins at 1pm, and will run until 5pm.

The majority of teams are switching drivers for the second portion of the day but a few will be sticking with the same for a full eight hours’ worth of driving. Below is the full list of drivers who will take to the circuit from 1pm onwards.

Alfa Romeo — Guanyu Zhou

Alpha Tauri — Pierre Gasly

Alpine — Esteban Ocon

Aston Martin — Sebastian Vettel

Ferrari — Charles Leclerc

Haas — Nikita Mazepin

McLaren — Daniel Ricciardo

Mercedes — George Russell

Red Bull — Sergio Perez

Williams — Nicholas Latifi

Haas pull Steiner from press conference

Thursday 24 February 2022 12:40 , Dan Austin

Haas have withdrawn team principal Gunther Steiner from the end of day press conference in Barcelona.

The team runs a Russian-themed livery thanks to a title sponsorship deal with the Russian fertiliser company Ural Kali, owned by oligarch Dimitry Mazepin. His son, Nikita, is a driver for the team.

Haas seemingly wants to avoid any difficult questions about its relationship with the Russians, after Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine which began this morning.

Six teams manage over 50 laps

Thursday 24 February 2022 12:31 , Dan Austin

Six of the ten teams running this morning managed to complete over 50 laps, and no will doubt be pleased with the amount of data they have managed to take from the session.

Haas were the big improvers with Mick Schumacher managing 66 laps, with team having only put in a total of 42 in yesterday’s two runs. McLaren, Alpha Tauri, Aston Martin and Alpine also put in over 50 laps, with Ferrari reaching an impressive 71 tours of the circuit.

Alfa Romeo once again were the least frequent runners, completing only 21 laps. That will be a concern for team principal Frederic Vasseur.

Ricciardo ends session second in standings

Thursday 24 February 2022 12:22 , Dan Austin

Shortly before the end of the session, Daniel Ricciardo managed to move up to first in the standings.

The Australian endured a tough campaign with McLaren and was consistently out-paced by younger team-mate Lando Norris, but did manage a morale-boosting victory at Monza, the team’s first win in nine years.

Daniel Ricciardo is driving all day for McLaren on Thursday. (Getty Images)

He will be hoping for a much improved campaign this time around, and the team’s early pace is promising. His 1:20:948 time was set on the C3 medium tyres.

Perez stoppage caused by gearbox issue

Thursday 24 February 2022 12:13 , Dan Austin

Sergio Perez’s stoppage at the Circuit de Catalunya seems to have been caused by a gearbox issue.

The Mexican’s RB18 ground to a halt at Turn 13 and was leaking fluid from the rear as it was brought back into the pits. Red Bull covered the car in a tarpaulin as it was pulled through the pitlane so that rivals were not able to get a clear look at its aerodynamic package or take any photographs.

Christian Horner and Sergio Perez have been discussing the stoppage. (Getty Images)

Team principal Christian Horner has been de-briefing with Perez in the garage.

Ricciardo tops timesheets at end of morning session in Barcelona

Thursday 24 February 2022 12:04 , Dan Austin

The morning test session in Barcelona is over, and McLaren top the timesheets just like they did yesterday, with Daniel Ricciardo leading the way in the team’s new MCL 36.

He is followed bar Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari, with Pierre Gasly in third for Alpha Tauri. Red Bull and Mercedes were lower down the order, and will be disappointed not to have run a few more laps.

1) Ricciardo — McLaren — 1m20.355s, C3, 64 laps

2) Sainz — Ferrari — 1m20.546s, C3, 71 laps

3) Gasly — AlphaTauri — 1m20.764s, C3, 60 laps

4) Albon — Williams — 1m21.531s, C3, 47 laps

5) Stroll — Aston Martin — 1m21.920s, C2, 55 laps

6) Schumacher — Haas — 1m21.949s, C3, 65 laps

7) Bottas — Alfa Romeo — 1m22.288s, C3, 21 laps

8) Perez — Red Bull — 1m22.412s, C2, 38 laps

9) Hamilton — Mercedes — 1m22.562s, C2, 40 laps

10) Ocon — Alpine — 1m23.280s, C2, 66 laps

Session back underway in Barcelona

Thursday 24 February 2022 11:50 , Dan Austin

The red flag period is over and the session is back underway in Barcelona.

We have ten minutes before the morning stint will come to an end, with an hour’s break preceding the afternoon running.

The likes of Ricciardo, Stroll, Schumacher and Ocon are all out on track.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website

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F1 testing: Updated results

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Gasly overtakes Ricciardo in lap time standings

Laptime standings with an hour to go

Leclerc goes fastest for Ferrari

More teams reach 100 lap milestone

Perez back on track for Red Bull

Zhou driving in first session of F1 career

Red Bull still missing from afternoon session

Session back underway as Alpine hit 100

Closer look at Mercedes’ new W13

Haas reveals cause of Mazepin problem