The Spanish veteran drove the second-fastest lap time in the Aston Martin. Only Sergio Perez was faster in the Red Bull.
His teammate, defending champion Max Verstappen, drove the third fastest time.
The Mercedes ended up a bit further behind: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished tenth and eleventh. Hamilton had already explained in the past few weeks that the new car was not yet where it would actually like to be.
The second Aston Martin also did well: Lanc Stroll finished sixth. The second Friday session follows at 4 p.m.
Source: Nachrichten