BARCELONA, Spain — Mercedes got off to a good start in Formula One’s return to Europe, with Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton setting the pace in practice for the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday. Sebastian Vettel, who trails Hamilton by four points in the drivers’ standings, kept Ferrari close in the morning session, but Red Bull was the main challenger to Mercedes in the afternoon. Mercedes and Red Bull appeared to have improved the most, although Ferrari usually shows its best pace in qualifying and in the race. Haas and Force India had the best showings of the teams behind the top three of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. Sergio Perez had a mechanical issue with Force India and had to retire near the end of the second session.

Source: National Post May 11, 2018 11:02 UTC