Friday's sunny running at the Circuit de Catalunya unfolded in an orderly fashion, but the incredibly tight field points to some fascinating this weekend up and down the ranks.

Check out our recap in pictures of the action from the opening day of running at the Spanish GP in Barcelona.

Roy Nissany (ISR) Williams Racing Development Driver. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren with Michael Italiano (AUS) McLaren Performance Coach. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
(L to R): Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team with Edoardo Bendinelli (ITA) Alpine F1 Team Personal Trainer. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW43B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Roy Nissany (ISR) Williams Racing FW43B Development Driver. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL35M. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Roy Nissany (ISR) Williams Racing FW43B Development Driver. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri AT02. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) Alfa Romeo Racing C41. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Mick Schumacher (GER) Haas VF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW43B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri AT02. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL35M. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lance Stroll (CDN) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Roy Nissany (ISR) Williams Racing FW43B Development Driver. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW43B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Mercedes AMG F1 W12. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL35M. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Circuit atmosphere - a marshal waves a red flag in the first practice session. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW43B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL35M. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Nikita Mazepin (RUS) Haas F1 Team VF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA) Alfa Romeo Racing C41. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri AT02. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren MCL35M. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Mercedes AMG F1 W12. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW43B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren MCL35M. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Pierre Gasly (FRA) AlphaTauri AT02. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull Racing RB16B. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren MCL35M. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Lance Stroll (CDN) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Aston Martin F1 Team AMR21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W12. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Roy Nissany (ISR) Williams Racing Development Driver - juggling. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Roy Nissany (ISR) Williams Racing Development Driver. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) Ferrari SF-21. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team A521. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Alpine F1 Team. 07.05.2021 Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 4, Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, Spain, Practice Day. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore
Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

12 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

14 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

15 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

17 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

18 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

19 hours ago