Russell fastest in Barcelona FP1, Piastri close as Verstappen cites handling woes
NXTbets Pro | Published On: June 12, 2026
Russell fastest FP1
George Russell set the pace in FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, posting a 1:16.363 on soft tires to lead the opening session. His lap put him 0.203 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri, who ended FP1 second fastest after reporting brake vibration during the hour. Charles Leclerc ran third as Ferrari evaluated a major aerodynamic upgrade, and Max Verstappen was fourth after reporting handling woes in his car. The top runs came amid a spread of issues and running programs as teams chased set up data and checked new parts.
Piastri brake vibration and car problems
Oscar Piastri's second-place time came with an equipment concern, he reported brake vibration during the session and completed his program despite the issue. Pierre Gasly said something had broken in his car and he had a kerb-related off track moment, and Carlos Sainz briefly stopped when his car failed to restart in the pit lane. Colton Herta, Dino Beganovic and Gabriel Bortoleto all had kerb or gravel moments, with Bortoleto running into the gravel at Turn 8. Luke Browning did not record a timed lap after an electrical problem on Alex Albon's car left him stuck in the garage. Teams used the session to stress brakes, aero and suspension while sorting repairs and troubleshooting.
Rookie reserve drivers running
The FP1 session featured seven rookie and reserve drivers as required by Formula 1's young-driver running rule, and the newcomers filled the top of the midpack. Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, was the top rookie in fifth. Paul Aron finished sixth, Liam Lawson seventh, Dino Beganovic eighth, Arvid Lindblad ninth and Franco Colapinto tenth. Fred Vesti and the other young drivers completed valuable mileage, and the running order reflected mixed programs between acclimating new drivers and collecting data for the regular race drivers.
