Max fourth fastest after Montreal FP1

Published on 07 June 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen opened his Canadian Grand Prix weekend with a fourth place in free practice one. Lewis Hamilton was quickest around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on the Isle de Notre Dame in Montreal. Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas was second fastest, followed by Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.

McLaren is the first team out on track with Carlos Sainz. His team mate Lando Norris is responsible for the first clocked lap, a few minutes later. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing take their time with Max heading out for the first time twenty minutes into FP1.

With the track being dusty and offering not much grip, a lot of drivers lock up, miss the chicane and/or use the limited run-off. Most, bar Antonio Giovinazzi, get away with the errors made. Unfortunately for the Italian, his shunt exiting turn nine damages the Alfa Romeo’s suspension to such a degree that the youngster’s session is done prematurely.

After a short delay, the session resumes. Max heads out on the medium Pirelli compound to set his quickest effort of the session, 1:13.755. Meanwhile, the Mercedes are still battling for top spot with Lewis Hamilton, ultimately, ending ahead of Bottas.

In the closing stages, the lap times are not improved upon as the drivers opt for long runs. In the end, Max completes 26 laps of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, splitting the Ferraris with the fourth fastest time.

Canadian GP Contest: win a Red Bull Racing teamline t-shirt!

Results first free practice Canada: