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Messy FP1 session for Verstappen as Leclerc sets quickest time in Imola
Charles Leclerc has topped the first free practice session for the Imola Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver had major upgrades to his car this weekend in Italy, and he started on the front foot by setting the quickest time. His teammate Carlos Sainz also finished inside the top three. George Russell finished second, one-tenth behind Leclerc's 1:16.990.
World Championship leader Max Verstappen, who also has upgrades, finished fifth. The Dutchman experienced some small problems during the session, including a tear-off that got stuck inside his brake duct. Verstappen had a lengthy debrief over the radio, highlighting how he was strongest in sectors one and three but lost four-tenths in sector two. Verstappen subsequently had an issue at turn 14, where he lost control under braking with five minutes of the session remaining. He then went across the gravel whilst pushing close to the chequered flag.
His teammate, Sergio Perez, finished in fourth. Yuki Tsunoda impressed with a top-six finish. Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Fernando Alonso rounded out the top ten from there.
Why this was the most important FP1 so far
The first free practice session was the most important of the season. Every team introduced upgrades for this weekend, some of which were rather significant. That includes both Red Bull and McLaren. Ferrari were also fitted with new parts, which they hope will take them much closer to Red Bull. This was the first session when these parts could be tested on track during an official weekend. It was also the first weekend event with more than 60 minutes of practice for around one month due to back-to-back sprint rounds in China and Miami.
Ollie Bearman returned to Formula 1 action for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The young Brit replaced Kevin Magnussen for FP1 as part of the mandatory rookie practice session for Haas. He made his debut in March but has less than three Grands Prix under his belt, so he can still feature as a ‘rookie’ in FP1. Bearman crashed heavily during his F2 practice earlier in the day but didn't show any sign of losing confidence. He spent much of the session in 12th place but eventually dropped to P15. He finished ahead of teammate Nico Hulkenberg, but run plans, engine modes, and fuel levels remain unknown.
After just 20 minutes, a red flag was triggered. Albon stopped on the grass alongside the track after he lost power on his lap. Williams told GPblog that "Albon's car shut down after going over a kerb. The cause is currently unknown and will be investigated when the car is back." The session resumed after a short delay.
Several drivers complained about the ride quality during the first free practice. Zhou said he was “jumping like a kangaroo everywhere”, and Ocon said it was like his car was “taking off”. Gasly described his experience as “the worst we’ve had this year. Can’t even see where I’m going in the straight.”
With 20 minutes to go, Lewis Hamilton had a spin. The Mercedes driver lost control in front of the Tifosi. The next time Hamilton visits Imola, he will be a Ferrari driver. But for now, Mercedes will be pleased with their lap times in FP1.