After the tight confines of the Monaco and Baku street circuits, this weekend Formula 1 is back on a more conventional track for the French Grand Prix – and the drivers got their first laps in during Free Practice 1 on Friday morning.
Barely a minute had elapsed in FP1 before the yellow flags were flying after Mick Schumacher spun and tapped the barriers at Turn 3, with Sebastian Vettel having a much heavier hit after a big spin at Turn 11 just 15 minutes later.
FP1 REPORT: Bottas heads Mercedes 1-2 in opening French GP practice session with Verstappen third
There were also spins for Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz, while Valtteri Bottas damaged his front wing after running wide over the high kerbs at Turn 2.
Despite that, the Finn ended the session at the very top of the time sheets, ahead of his Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton, with Red Bull pair Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez right behind.
Hit play on the video above to see all the action from a busy first practice session at the Circuit Paul Ricard.
Next Up
Related Articles
Alonso and Russell lead applause for ‘mega’ Kubica after Le Mans win
Verstappen declares P2 ‘the maximum possible’ in Canada
Facts and StatsAntonelli becomes F1’s third-youngest podium finisher.webp)
Brad Pitt hails drivers and teams as ‘big part’ of ‘F1 The Movie’
Wolff calls McLaren intra-team battle 'tricky' after Canada collision.webp)
F1 to race in Canada until 2035 with new extension