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Leclerc Dominates FP1 as Verstappen Struggles at Imola

Leclerc Dominates FP1 as Verstappen Struggles at Imola

17/05/2024

Charles Leclerc topped the first practice session at Imola, while Max Verstappen faced difficulties with his Red Bull. The challenging circuit tested many drivers.

The first free practice session of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix concluded with drivers adapting to the unique layout of the “Dino e Enzo Ferrari” circuit.

Charles Leclerc honored the track dedicated to the Commendatore and his late eldest son by placing his Ferrari at the top of the timesheets, much to the delight of the tifosi.

George Russell, who held the best time for a long period, followed in his Mercedes, three hundredths ahead of the second Ferrari of Carlos Sainz.

The Red Bulls of Sergio Pérez and Max Verstappen were two-tenths behind Leclerc, but the World Champion was visibly unhappy with his car’s erratic behavior, losing control several times due to the modified gravel traps in the run-off areas.

Yuki Tsunoda finished sixth for the local team Racing Bulls, ahead of the second Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, who also struggled, as well as the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin rounding out the top 10.

The Alpines of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon did not make it into the top 10, nor did the Haas cars (Olli Bearman ahead of Nico Hülkenberg), the Saubers, or the Williams.

Track activity was interrupted mid-session by a red flag due to Alex Albon’s Williams breaking down after hitting a curb at the Acqua Minerali chicane. Later, Lewis Hamilton spun without consequence.

2024 F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Free Practice Results (1)
PosDriverNat.TeamTime
1Charles LeclercMONScuderia Ferrari1m16.990s
2George RussellGBRMercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team1m17.094s
3Carlos SainzESPScuderia Ferrari1m17.120s
4Sergio PerezMEXOracle Red Bull Racing1m17.233s
5Max VerstappenNEDOracle Red Bull Racing1m17.240s
6Yuki TsunodaJPNVisa Cash App RB F1 Team1m17.388s
7Lewis HamiltonGBRMercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team1m17.408s
8Lando NorrisGBRMcLaren F1 Team1m17.602s
9Oscar PiastriAUSMcLaren F1 Team1m17.807s
10Fernando AlonsoESPAston Martin Aramco F1 Team1m17.876s
11Pierre GaslyFRABWT Alpine F1 Team1m17.905s
12Lance StrollCANAston Martin Aramco F1 Team1m18.072s
13Daniel RicciardoAUSVisa Cash App RB F1 Team1m18.142s
14Esteban OconFRABWT Alpine F1 Team1m18.612s
15Oliver BearmanGBRMoneyGram Haas F1 Team1m18.667s
16Valtteri BottasFINStake F1 Team Kick Sauber1m18.827s
17Zhou GuanyuCHNStake F1 Team Kick Sauber1m19.129s
18Logan SargeantUSAWilliams Racing1m19.901s
19Alex AlbonTHAWilliams Racing1m20.050s
20Nico HulkenbergGERMoneyGram Haas F1 Team1m21.059s

The second free practice session is scheduled from 4:00 to 5:00.

Leclerc Dominates FP1 as Verstappen Struggles at Imola

Leclerc Dominates FP1 as Verstappen Struggles at Imola. Leclerc Dominates FP1 as Verstappen Struggles at Imola

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