The first free practice session ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen show the fastest time ahead of the Ferraris and the second Red Bull of Isack Hadjar, with rather timid Mercedes.
Read more Charles Leclerc reveals the breakthrough that transformed his Ferrari at Silverstone
The four-time world champion set a lap time of 1’47″070, ahead of Lewis Hamilton by 145 thousandths, while Charles Leclerc completes the top 3 at the wheel of the second Ferrari.
This performance is all the more notable as Red Bull did not use its spectacular very low drag rear wing, seen in previous races, unlike the Scuderia.
Red Bull at the forefront
The Austrian team has returned to a more conventional setup for this weekend, without preventing Verstappen from taking the lead in the standings. However, the Dutch driver has a new power unit.
Behind the top three, Isack Hadjar confirms his good form by taking fourth place, even though he will have to start at the back of the grid for the Grand Prix, ahead of championship leader Oscar Piastri, fifth.
Read more Aston Martin sounds the alarm before Spa: «The worst circuit of the year» for Stroll
The McLaren driver had a small scare in the last minutes of the session, his car briefly stopping on track before being able to restart after encountering hydraulic issues.
Antonelli and Russell in a minor mode
At Mercedes, Kimi Antonelli was the fastest in the team, finishing sixth in this first hour of practice. The Italian concedes half a second to Max Verstappen while George Russell, 8th, is nearly nine tenths off the pace. The Silver Arrows have probably not yet shown all their performance.
It is also hoped that the French drivers Esteban Ocon, only sixteenth just ahead of Pierre Gasly, have also kept some in reserve to climb back up the standings as the sessions progress. The second free practice session will take place later in the day, from 5 pm to 6 pm, under still mild weather even if a few drops of rain fell before the Formula 3 qualifying.
Read more Isack Hadjar will start at the back of the grid in Spa
Belgian GP F1 2026 FP1 standings:
