Podcast: Friday’s F1 Portuguese GP talking points – F1

After 24 years, Formula 1 finally got underway for a grand prix weekend in Portugal at the Algarve circuit on Friday.

As ever, the first two free practice sessions brought a multitude of talking points as drivers learned to cope with the low-grip Portimao venue for the first time, with the undulating nature also providing a challenge.

There were also two red flags in FP2, thanks to Pierre Gasly’s engine fire and a clash between Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll, creating an oft-interrupted session that began with a 2021-spec tyre test.

Behind the Mercedes and Red Bulls, another tight midfield battle looks to be on the cards as McLaren, Racing Point, Renault and Ferrari all jostle for vital constructors’ championship placings.

At the rear of the field, the silly season roulette wheel has landed on George Russell’s seat at Williams, with Sergio Perez strongly linked to the team.

Motorsport.com F1 editor Jon Noble joins Autosport technical editor Jake Boxall-Legge to discuss all of Friday’s talking points.