FP1: Norris tops wet Canadian FP1, Sainz and Leclerc close behind

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Lando Norris of McLaren led the rain-affected first practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix, surpassing Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in tow.

Check out the results of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

Despite forecasts, the intensity of the rain and hail took many by surprise at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, complicating the session with low-grip conditions from recent track resurfacing. The session began slightly delayed, with the pit lane closed for nearly half an hour to clear standing water.

Initially, the track proved slippery. Hamilton, reporting "very low" grip, demonstrated the challenges aloud. Drama ensued as Zhou Guanyu's Alfa Romeo aquaplaned and collided with the wall, halting the session with red flags.

Once racing resumed, Sainz posted a benchmark time of 1:27.485 on intermediate tires. As conditions improved, drivers switched to soft slicks. A late effort by Norris firmed his lead with a 1:24.435 lap, three-tenths quicker than Sainz. Leclerc followed, finishing almost a second slower, with Hamilton 1.5 seconds adrift in fourth.

Other notable performances included Max Verstappen in fifth and Oscar Piastri in sixth. George Russell rounded out the top 10. Local favorite Lance Stroll struggled with the conditions but avoided major incidents.

The teams will now prepare for a potentially rain-soaked FP2 at 1700 local time.

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