Ricciardo defiant as Red Bull star sparks FURY: 5 things you may have missed from Spanish GP practice
Ricciardo defiant as Red Bull star sparks FURY: 5 things you may have missed from Spanish GP practice
The first two practice sessions at the Spanish GP saw the Brits come out on top with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton topping FP1 and FP2 respectively.
Initially, Red Bull were named as the ones to beat in Barcelona, but practice showed how close the teams at the top have become.
F1 Headlines: FIA confirm check on Red Bull talent as Ricciardo tries out new race seat
READ MORE: Spanish GP practice times - Hamilton lands hammer blow on Verstappen
Max Verstappen still struggled with the car on corner exits, and Sergio Perez retired to the pits with cooling issues hinting at a fight for the win this weekend.
Whilst discussion is centred around qualifying tomorrow, GPFans have delved into the hidden gems from practice that you might have missed.
Ricciardo’s defiant message to Red Bull
After Daniel Ricciardo’s current F1 form has been called into question, the Australian has provided a defiant response to his contract concerns- via his race helmet no less.
Handwritten on his helmet was the phrase ‘NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT’ , a clear message to Red Bull about his intentions to retain his seat.
NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT@danielricciardo’s handwritten motivation on his helmet this weekend pic.twitter.com/2lZx4oI6R3
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) June 21, 2024
His message follows a bullish response to criticism at the Canadian Grand Prix, achieving a P8 after Jacques Villenuive questioned why he was still in F1.
Despite his defiance, Ricciardo will have to deliver these types of performances consistently if he wishes to remain in F1 in 2025 and beyond.
READ MORE: Ferrari face Newey SNUB as rival signing favourites emerge
Tsunoda sparks fury
The more improved and mature Yuki Tsunoda we have seen in 2024 so far returning to his menacing ways during free practice.
Tsunoda almost hurtled into the rear of George Russell at top speed, after exiting Turn 9 on his hot lap.
The Mercedes star placed the blame on Tsunoda, claiming that he ‘aimed for’ him after the near miss.
In addition to this incident, Tsunoda prompted a rant from Guanyu Zhou in FP2 who complained about the Japanese driver.
This time Zhou nearly hit the rear of Tsunoda, as he sped down the main straight in what could have been a dangerous incident with the RB.
READ MORE: F1 legend set to make Red Bull return
Bearman's Haas Outing
The Ferrari junior made a sneaky return with Haas during FP1, replacing Nico Hulkenberg for the session.
Bearman finished the season in P19, however Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu remained ‘impressed’ with the youngster’s performance as he spoke to the Sky Sports commentary team.
The 19-year-old is tipped to join Haas’ 2025 line-up, after Hulkenberg announced a move to Sauber/Audi, and Kevin Magnussen’s position looks less secure at the team.
Despite him impressing in the F1 paddock, Bearman struggled during qualifying for F2 and will start both races in P15.
Ferrari's power issues remain
For a brief moment we were lulled into the security that Ferrari were a cleaner, more put together outfit under Fred Vasseur’s leadership.
However, a double DNF in Canada and a pit stop nightmare/engine issues for Charles Leclerc saw Ferrari plagued by familiar issues.
Their problems in Canada persisted in the first two practice sessions in Spain, with power issues resurfacing for Carlos Sainz, with a few changes to the steering wheel remedying the issue.
Leclerc also reported ‘strange’ issues with his clutch that forced his rear tyres to lock up everytime his Ferrari stopped.
Luckily both Ferrari’s remained with the leading pack, with Sainz finishing a promising P2, and will be hoping to go one better in qualifying at his home race.
READ MORE: Hamilton woes BLAMED for Silverstone ticket sales slump
Briatore’s instant Alpine impact
Alpine have announced Flavio Briatore’s F1 return in an advisory role to the French team.
The former Renault team boss has endured a long absence from F1 following the ‘Crashgate’ scandal in 2008, and his presence already seems to be having an impact.
During commentary in FP2 Sky pundit Karun Chandhok joked that Briatore was already putting the pressure on Alpine and improving their performances.
Pierre Gasly finished a solid P4 in the second practice session, after what has been a woeful season for the team.
READ MORE: Ricciardo and F1 star blasted as 'CLOWNS' by former Dutch racer
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F1 Race Calendar 2024
-
GP BAHRAIN
29 Feb - 2 Mar
Max Verstappen
-
GP SAUDI ARABIA
7 - 9 Mar
Max Verstappen
-
GP AUSTRALIA
22 - 24 Mar
Carlos Sainz
-
GP JAPAN
5 - 7 Apr
Max Verstappen
-
GP CHINA
19 - 21 Apr
Max Verstappen
-
GP USA
3 - 5 May
Lando Norris
-
GP ITALY
17 - 19 May
Max Verstappen
-
GP MONACO
24 - 26 May
Charles Leclerc
-
GP CANADA
7 - 9 Jun
Max Verstappen
-
GP SPAIN
21 - 23 Jun
Max Verstappen
- GP AUSTRIA 28 - 30 Jun
- GP GREAT BRITAIN 5 - 7 Jul
- GP HUNGARY 19 - 21 Jul
- GP BELGIUM 26 - 28 Jul
- GP NETHERLANDS 23 - 25 Aug
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F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- AWS Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
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