<p>MONTMELÓ, Spain &mdash; Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas clocked the fastest time during the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday.</p>
<p>Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was next, followed by Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes.</p>
<p>Only eight points separate Hamilton from Verstappen at the top of the standings after they finished 1-2 in the first three races.</p>
<p>McLaren drivers Lando Norris, the surprise of the season in a distant third place, had the fourth fastest time. Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were next.</p>
<p>The session under sunny skies near Barcelona only saw one red flag when Alfa Romeo reserve driver Robert Kubica spun out on a curve and got stuck in the gravel.</p>
<p>Nikita Mazepin also lost control of his Haas on one of his first laps, but he was able to get going again.</p>
<p>Hamilton won the season-opener in Bahrain and last week’s race in Portugal. Verstappen won the season’s second race in Italy.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Hamilton will be aiming for his 100th career pole. On Sunday, he will be looking to equal Michael Schumacher’s six wins in Montmeló.</p>
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