Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton laid down an early marker ahead of the new Formula One season on Friday when he set the fastest time in pre-season testing in Barcelona.

In a further boost for Mercedes, Hamilton’s new teammate George Russell came home in second place.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was fourth fastest, just behind Red Bull colleague Sergio Perez.

Continue reading this article on Sports Desk. 

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.