Verstappen sets the pace in FP1 of the Canadian GP

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix got off to a thrilling start in the first free practice session (FP1) at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, where Max Verstappen once again demonstrated his prominence by becoming the fastest driver in the session. Under clear skies, with an ambient temperature of 16 degrees and a temperature of 41 degrees on the asphalt , the Dutchman put the problems he experienced two weeks ago behind him and rediscovered his best form.

Verstappen set a best time of 1:14.478 in the first 10 minutes of activity, outperforming Charles Leclerc and George Russell, while some teams such as RB and Sauber opted to use medium tyres in their initial work phase. The four-time world champion, Red Bull driver, looked comfortable from the start, showing solid pace and precision at every turn.

Charles Leclerc also took center stage, albeit for different reasons. The Monegasque driver briefly took the lead with a time of 1:13.885, but shortly after, he made a mistake at Turn 3, overshot his braking position, and ended up hitting the barriers, causing a red flag and a temporary halt to practice.

Meanwhile, the McLaren drivers, current leaders in the drivers' and constructors' championships, had a quiet start. Lando Norris finished eighth in his car with a new front wing, while Oscar Piastri barely completed one installation lap and spent a long time in the pits.

Meanwhile, Argentine Franco Colapinto spun at Turn 2 on his first flying lap but managed to continue. He improved his time lap after lap, finishing with a respectable 1:16.923.

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Read: What time is it and where to watch the 2025 F1 Canadian GP LIVE?

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