Miami FP1: Mercedes' George Russell quickest after dismissing 'pathetic' Max Verstappen spat
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Updated 05/05/2023 at 21:35 GMT+1
After more struggles in this year's Formula 1 campaign, Mercedes were given a rare moment of hope on Friday when drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were the quickest at Free Practice One at the Miami Grand Prix. Russell was quickest with his more experienced partner, former world champion Lewis Hamilton, second. It came after Russell called his spat with Max Verstappen "pathetic."
‘It is a dream for us’ - Hamilton relishing Formula 1 being in Miami
Mercedes driver George Russell was quickest in Free Practice One at the Miami Grand Prix on Friday evening after calling his spat with Max Verstappen "pathetic."
Russell, alongside team-mate Lewis Hamilton, have endured another slow start to the season where they once again look set to struggle behind Red Bull and Ferrari, and may face a stronger challenge this year from Aston Martin.
However, on Friday in Florida, in the first session at least, they were the top performers despite leaving it late.
It took until the pair’s final race, with Russell recording the day’s fastest time so far of 1:30.125.
Former world champion Hamilton was second quickest.
With 10 minutes to go it had looked very different, as Max Verstappen of Red Bull - who is involved with a spat with this time with Russell over last weekend’s racing - then Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, and Nico Hulkenberg in third.
Earlier, Russell had called their argument, "all a little bit pathetic."
He added: "He has had his fair share of giving moves like that and being tough and hard at racing.
"It's a little bit poor to see how he spat his dummy out when he got something back in the same regard.
"Something you learn as a kid is if you give something you've got to be prepared to take it as well."
At the end of the session, Leclerc was third fastest, followed by Verstappen, the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, and then Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.
The second session will take place at 10pm BST, with Saturday for the third practice and qualifying.
Free Practice standings
1. George Russell (Mercedes) - 1:30.125
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
8. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
10. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
11. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
12. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
13. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
14. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
15. Alex Albon (Williams)
16. Lando Norris (McLaren)
17. Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo)
18. Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri)
19. Logan Sargeant (Williams)
20. Nyck de Vries (Alpha Tauri)
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