In an eventful FP1 session at the Canadian GP, Max Verstappen takes the lead while Charles Leclerc meets an unfortunate crash.
- Max Verstappen set the early pace despite steering issues, leading the pack on the C6 soft tires.
- Alex Albon shines for Williams, securing a surprising P2, just behind Verstappen by 0.039 seconds.
- Charles Leclerc’s session ends abruptly as he crashes into the wall at Turn 4 in his Ferrari.
- The session featured numerous challenges, including spins, off-road excursions, and intense rivalries.
Max Verstappen once again demonstrated why he is a formidable opponent on the track by dominating the first practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix. With a swift 1:16.067 on soft C6 tires, Verstappen managed to outpace his competitors, even while dealing with a ‘heavy’ steering wheel. His performance set a high bar for others to chase.
Williams’ Alex Albon stole the spotlight by clinching P2, trailing Verstappen by a mere 0.039 seconds. This achievement marked a notable success for Williams, with Carlos Sainz also placing in the top three, proving their prowess in the session.
Charles Leclerc’s day took a turn for the worse when he misjudged his entry at Turn 4, resulting in a collision with the wall. Leclerc admitted the crash was a ‘very stupid mistake’ on his part, which brought out the red flags and abruptly ended his session. His Ferrari was left damaged, forcing him out of contention.
The session was far from smooth for many drivers, with Franco Colapinto causing an early yellow flag after spinning at Turn 2. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll returned to the track representing Aston Martin after recovering from hand and wrist surgery. Drivers like Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris also faced their challenges with rear-axis locking issues at different points on the track.
Despite all the drama, as the session resumed, Verstappen reclaimed the top spot, brushing past Leclerc’s earlier time. The competition remained fierce until the end, with Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri expressing challenges amidst the intense pace. As the checkered flag waved, Verstappen’s position at the top was cemented, with Williams’ collective performance worthy of praise.
Verstappen’s winning streak continues as Leclerc’s mistake underlines the unpredictable nature of racing.
