Proving that it does not matter who you put behind the wheel of their car, Mercedes was fastest around the track in the first practice session for this weekend’s 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
Behind the wheel was George Russell, who was replacing seven-time defending Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, who contracted the Covid-19 virus and will miss the race. Prior to his promotion, Russell had exclusively driven for Williams, had yet to score a point in two racing seasons and was currently in a last place tie with his Williams teammate in this year’s driver standings.
But that all changes when being put in the fastest car in the race and Russell proved that as – in his very first time in the car – he nipped Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the fastest time of the session.
2020 Sakhir Grand Prix Top 10 Times – First Practice Session
1 George Russell Mercedes 0:54.546
2 Max Verstappen Red Bull 0:54.722
3 Alexander Albon Red Bull 0:54.811
4 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 0:54.868
5 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri 0:55.011
6 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri 0:55.166
7 Esteban Ocon Renault 0:55.273
8 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 0:55.281
9 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 0:55.379
10 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 0:55.449
