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Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in the first free practice of the Canadian Grand Prix. The young Dutchman managed to stay ahead of Lewis Hamilton and teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Verstappen set a personal best in 1:13.302, only one tenth faster than Hamilton and Ricciardo.
Vettel and Bottas completed the top five, while Raikkonen finished sixth. Alonso was once again the best driver outside the top three teams. The Spaniard finished seventh just six tenths behind Verstappen Inside the top ten of FP1 we also had Sainz Jr., Vandoorne and Gasly.
Ocon narrowly missed out the top ten, but he was once again the fastest Force India driver as he ended eleventh. Perez was replaced in FP1 by Latifi. The local hero did well although he ended only 19th. Between the two Force India drivers we also had Grosjean, Ericsson, Leclerc, Magnussen, Hartley, Sirotkin and Stroll.
Hulkenberg finished last in FP1 as his car suffered technical problems in the first part of the free practice. The German driver stopped the car on the track and the session was red flagged for several minutes. The FP1 was rather uneventful with no major crashes or tech issues beside Hulkenberg's problem.
FP2 will commence later on today at 7PM GMT UK time.
Paul Athes
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im a bit surprised to see STR do this well at Canada, a very straight line speed specific track. And to even see Honda top the speed traps. To cite Emperor Palpatine: A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one... IF this is representative, which Im not sure it is.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
It's the Honda PU for Redbull next year. I can't see them sticking with Renault. They have improved radically since last year. They have just signed one of the Mercedes technology guys. Verstappen signed on with Redbull after visiting their factory.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
We will have to see once Canada is over with, but it looks like Honda made a much bigger jump than Renault. Them signing a Mercedes guy doesnt mean they will get Mercedes kinda power. But I think its a matter of time before Honda passes Renault. I expect Renault to do the same mistake as always, and maybe release 1 more upgrade after this, whereas Honda will likely try to pump out as many upgrades as possible.