It was tight at the top in FP2 ahead of the Barcelona GP, with Norris finishing Friday’s running ahead of Russell

Mercedes F1 star George Russell has told Ryan Blaney that he would love to try NASCAR one day

BARCELONA, June 12 (Reuters) - George Russell lapped fastest in first practice for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on Friday, while championship-leading teammate Kimi Antonelli sat out the session as the team gave track time to reserve driver Frederik Vesti.

MONTMELO, Spain (AP) — This was supposed to be George Russell ’s chance to shoot for the Formula 1 title. Coming into the season as Mercedes’s presumptive lead driver, with his team producing the best car after a rulebook overhaul,

George Russell has taken inspiration from documentaries on sporting greats Rafa Nadal and Ronaldinho to help not lose all hope about his crumbling Formula 1 title challenge.

George Russell topped first practice at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix from Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc; watch second practice later on Friday at 4pm live on Sky Sports F1 and Main Event

The Mercedes driver has not stood on the podium since finishing second in Shanghai in March and finished in sixth on Saturday's qualifying.

George Russell was battling his teammate and defending the lead in the Canadian Grand Prix when he went off track and suffered a PU failure. In frustration, the Mercedes driver threw his headrest out of the vehicle.

Mercedes driver George Russell sets the pace from McLaren's Oscar Piastri in first practice at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

Kimi Antonelli reflected on his Friday running in Barcelona, admitting he endured a difficult FP2 session and acknowledging that teammate George Russell, along with both McLaren drivers, will be tough opponents to beat this weekend.