The opening practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend was a rollercoaster, and it was Lando Norris who ultimately came out on top. Despite changing weather conditions, Norris took the lead, leaving behind Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen rounding out the top five.
The day began with the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve drenched from an earlier downpour of hail and rain, creating a challenging environment for the drivers. The session began on time, but the pit exit was delayed as marshals battled standing water, finally going green about 20 minutes later. It wasn't long before the red flags made an appearance, this time courtesy of Kick Sauber's Zhou Guanyu, who had an unfortunate brush with the barriers, necessitating his retirement from the session.
A Race Against the Clock and the Elements
With the track finally clear and the green flag waving again, the drivers wasted no time in clocking in their fastest laps. Norris's time of 1m 24.435s in the McLaren set a blistering pace that his competitors struggled to match. Sainz and Leclerc were close, but not close enough, while Hamilton showcased his skill by securing fourth place. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, settled for fifth as the session wound down.
The inclement weather continued to be a factor throughout FP1, keeping teams on their toes with the constantly evolving track conditions. The driver's ability to adapt quickly was tested to the limit, making for a captivating session filled with high drama.
Frustrations and Missed Opportunities
Amidst the bustling activity, some drivers faced significant setbacks. Jack Doohan, stepping in for Esteban Ocon at Alpine, did not manage to record a timed lap. He was among three drivers who found themselves in the same predicament, illustrating the unpredictability and challenges that come with racing under such conditions.
As the teams and drivers prepare for FP2, the lessons learned from this turbulent session will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their strategies. The stakes are high, and the weather unpredictability adds an extra layer of complexity to what promises to be an exhilarating Grand Prix weekend.
Don't miss out on the highlights from this thrilling FP1 session. Catch the full action and see how the drivers fared as they navigate both the treacherous elements and the competitive spirit that defines Formula 1. With FP2 just around the corner, the excitement is only set to escalate.