Max comfortably fastest in Silverstone FP1

Published on 16 July 2021 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen clocked the fastest lap in the opening practice session of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Lando Norris, McLaren, was second, almost eight tenths adrift. Lewis Hamilton completed the top three in his Mercedes.

For the first time in Formula 1 history, a sprint race will determine the starting grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The inclusion of the sprint has resulted in a different schedule for the weekend, with just one practice session on Friday, followed by qualifying, which will produce the grid for the sprint race on Saturday. In addition, a second free practice session will be held Saturday afternoon.

Because of the limited practice opportunities, it is busy on track when FP1 gets underway. Max completes his first run on the hard Pirelli compound, before switching to the mediums. On the latter, the Dutchman sets the pace in the first half of the session.

With twenty minutes left on the clock, both Red Bulls opt to switch to the soft compound. With three purple sectors, Max makes the most of the extra grip and cements his position at the top of the leader boards.

In the closing stages, only a handful of drivers circulate the Silverstone circuit. Among them are Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton. Both Mercedes have now switched to the soft tyres as well. Despite improving on their earlier lap times, the black arrows are unable to threaten Max’ efforts, meaning the Dutchman finishes FP1 in first place.

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Results first free practice Great Britain: