F1 News
What does Friday in France say about the rest of the weekend?
Formula 1 returned to Europe on Friday as the first practice sessions got underway ahead of the French Grand Prix on Sunday. But what can we take from the opening sessions at the Paul Ricard circuit?
Mercedes dominance set to continue
Mercedes may have been fortunate in Canada but they look ready to lead the field once again. Utterly dominant in FP1 and FP2 shutting out the top two places in both sessions they haven't really given their rivals a chance so far. With the Paul Ricard circuit seeming to favour Mercedes' well-rounded car it looks like it could be eight wins on the bounce!
Luck not with Ferrari
Ferrari don't have much going for them at the moment. Their appeal against Sebastian Vettel's penalty was rejected and they were over half a second back on Valtteri Bottas in FP2. It doesn't look as if the Scuderia can get near the Mercedes at the moment and with Paul Ricard set to favour the Silver Arrows, if Friday is anything to go by, it could be a long weekend for them.
The midfield battle
McLaren are leading the way in the midfield battle and much to their surprise they are leading the way in the midfield at the Paul Ricard circuit. Lando Norris came in P5 during FP2 and Carlos Sainz was two places back in seventh marking a very impressive opening day of racing. Norris admitted he was surprised with their pace, but it could be a sign of things to come. Could we see a surprise from the McLaren team in France?
