F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Leclerc and Bottas put in the miles at Paul Ricard

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc clocked in with the equivalent of two race distances under his belt after concluding on Thursday his work session with Pirelli at the Circuit Paul Ricard.

The Scuderia's new recruit, who will race alongside Sebastian Vettel at the Italian outfit next season, raked in 129 laps onboard Ferrari's SF71-H as he put Pirelli's 2019 compounds through their paces.

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas was behind the wheel of the German team's W09, adding to the data as he completed a total of 102 laps around Paul Ricard.

The purpose of the two-day test is to validate next season's tyre range as Pirelli completes its 2019 development programme.

As is customary, both teams were purposefully kept in the dark as to the exact specifications of the rubber they were running.

The programme resumed this morning, with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel taking over from Leclerc at Ferrari while Bottas continued his work with Mercedes.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

F1 boss Domenicali on why Apple TV will shatter ESPN’s records

Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…

4 hours ago

Sainz reveals ‘not ideal’ reality shared with Alonso

Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…

5 hours ago

Horner names the true culprits of his Red Bull exit

Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…

7 hours ago

McLaren Majesty: When Prost and Lauda stood alone

Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…

8 hours ago

Coulthard on why Bottas has the edge over Perez at Cadillac

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…

9 hours ago

‘Not pure Formula 1’: Verstappen fires fresh salvo at 2026 cars

After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…

11 hours ago