What the teams said – Friday in Barcelona-Catalunya – Formula 1

Lando Norris and George Russell led the Friday practice sessions at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix on June 12, 2026. According to reports from the BBC and Sky Sports, Russell topped the first practice session ahead of Oscar Piastri, while Norris led Russell in subsequent Friday running.

The early sessions established a competitive battle between Mercedes and McLaren. Sky Sports reported that George Russell recorded the fastest time during the first practice session, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finishing in second place.

The momentum shifted as the day progressed. The BBC reported that Lando Norris moved to the top of the timing sheets, heading Russell in the later stages of Friday’s practice schedule.

What upgrades did Ferrari introduce in Barcelona?

Ferrari utilized the June 12 sessions to debut technical updates to their car. Sky Sports confirmed that the team revealed upgrades during the Friday practice rounds at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.

The team did not disclose the specific aerodynamic or mechanical nature of these changes in the initial reports. However, the timing of the reveal aligns with the traditional use of the Spanish Grand Prix as a benchmark for mid-season development.

How did McLaren perform across Friday’s sessions?

McLaren demonstrated consistent pace with both drivers appearing at the top of the leaderboards. Oscar Piastri secured second place in the first practice session, according to Sky Sports.

Lando Norris followed this performance by leading George Russell in the overall Friday practice standings, as reported by the BBC. This puts both McLaren drivers in a strong position heading into the qualifying rounds.

The contrast between the two sessions shows a tight gap between the Mercedes and McLaren chassis. While Russell held the early advantage, Norris’s later pace suggests McLaren found a competitive edge as track conditions evolved on June 12.

What happens next in the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix?

The teams now move from practice data to the qualifying sessions. The Friday results indicate that the battle for pole position will likely center on the fight between Norris, Russell, and Piastri.

Ferrari will continue to evaluate the real-world impact of their new upgrades during the remaining sessions. The team’s ability to translate these parts into lap time will determine if they can challenge the current pace set by McLaren and Mercedes.