FP1: Norris leads as rain-hit first practice shakes up Canadian GP
McLaren's Lando Norris emerged as the pace-setter in a tumultuous first free practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix, marking the quickest lap time amidst challenging wet conditions. Norris led the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton trailing behind.
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve witnessed an unexpected deluge as dark clouds, forecasted to make an appearance, unleashed heavy rain and hailstorms. Few in the paddock anticipated the weather's severity, which made conditions extraordinarily difficult for the drivers. The session also saw Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan taking another FP1 run in Esteban Ocon’s car.
Despite the weather's capricious nature and recent track resurfacing contributing to lower grip levels, the session commenced punctually at 1330 local time. However, the pit lane remained closed for nearly half an hour as officials scrambled to clear standing water around the 4.361-kilometre circuit.
At 1351, drivers began trickling onto the track, grappling with slippery conditions on a mix of Pirelli’s intermediate and wet tyres. This acclimation period saw numerous cars sliding and struggling for grip on the damp surface. Hamilton's musings over the radio, “Grip is very low,” underlined the difficulties, further emphasized by slow-motion replays of his upgraded Mercedes drifting precariously.
Drama swiftly ensued as Zhou Guanyu’s Sauber aquaplaned at Turn 5, colliding with the wall and incurring suspension damage—prompting a red-flag stoppage. Upon resumption, drivers eagerly capitalized on the opportunity to refine their lap times as the track gradually dried.
Sainz's 1m 27.485s on intermediates initially set the pace, until teams began experimenting with slick tyres. Leclerc’s switch to softs instigated a flurry of activity that saw Norris clinching the top spot with a 1m 24.435s lap, despite lingering wet patches. Sainz followed three-tenths behind in second, while Leclerc was nearly a second slower, securing third place. Hamilton clocked in 1.5 seconds off the pace.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured fifth, trailed closely by McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, and Valtteri Bottas in the Kick Sauber. Sergio Perez and George Russell completed the top 10.
The RB squad had Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda in P11 to P12, whereas the Haas pair, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, followed suit. Aston Martin teammates Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, split by Williams’ Logan Sargeant, wrapped up the time-setters list.
Home favourite Stroll had an adventurous time, running over the grass on a late run with soft tyres but evading more significant mishaps, unlike Zhou. Meanwhile, FP1 runner Doohan and Williams' Alex Albon rounded up the timesheets.
With the opening session concluded, teams and drivers will now debrief and strategize before taking to the track once more for the second practice session.
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