Lando Norris clocked the fastest time during the first free practice for the United States Grand Prix. Nico Hülkenberg surprisingly recorded the second fastest time, followed by Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen was fast throughout the session, but ended up in fifth place in the final stages.
The first free practice in Austin is crucial for the teams and drivers. Due to the sprint format this weekend, it is the only practice for the American Grand Prix. Everything that is usually spread over three practices is crammed into this one session. From fine-tuning the setup to simulating the race and qualification.
For the less seasoned fan, it’s worth paying extra attention. No less than six different liveries are racing around the Circuit of the Americas. McLaren, Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, and Williams can all be admired in a different color scheme. Admittedly, some are more successful than others, but as they say, taste is subjective.
Max Verstappen is at the top for a long time, until Lewis Hamilton‘s red car takes over from him after twenty minutes. Red is also the color of the flag that is waved not much later. A part of Lance Stroll‘s Aston Martin has flown off and is lying on a kerbstone. Fortunately, the track is quickly cleared and the session resumes.
Versnellingsbakken geven de geest
All drivers roll back onto the circuit, except for Carlos Sainz. A problem has been detected in the Spaniard’s gearbox. The Williams mechanics have to get to work immediately because the car needs to be repaired quickly for the sprint qualification that follows later today. The same applies to Charles Leclerc in the final stages of this practice.
With just over ten minutes left on the clock, it’s time to simulate this qualification. Verstappen immediately sets the tone on the red tire and rushes to the fastest time. Alonso surprisingly dives under that immediately. In the end, it is Norris who dips more than three tenths under the Spaniard’s time and thus finishes the session fastest, followed by Hülkenberg and Piastri. Verstappen has to abort his last flying lap and ends up in fifth place.
