Silverstone, 05 July 2024: A mix of established stars and rising talents took to the track for a thrilling FP1 session at the British Grand Prix. Several young drivers filled in for their veteran counterparts, providing a glimpse into the future of F1. Rain threatened throughout the session, adding an extra layer of challenge.
New Faces Impress
Ollie Bearman, fresh off his Haas contract announcement, impressed with a P8 finish in the session. This was the only time on track for the young Briton before he takes the reins full-time next year. Franco Colapinto, Isack Hadjar, and Jack Doohan, all participating in FP1 for the first time, gained valuable experience despite finishing towards the back of the pack.
Norris Takes the Lead
Lando Norris emerged as the surprise leader with a blistering 1m 27.420s lap on soft tires. Lance Stroll, overcoming earlier brake pedal issues, followed closely behind in P2. Oscar Piastri, piloting the McLaren for FP1, secured a podium finish with a time of 1m 27.631s before encountering hydraulic problems and stopping near the pit lane.
Verstappen and Russell Lurk
Championship leader Max Verstappen, despite not utilizing the soft tires, finished a respectable P4 with a 1m 27.764s lap. George Russell, fresh off his Austrian Grand Prix victory, rounded out the top five with a time just 0.010s slower than Verstappen.
Near Misses and Investigations
The session wasn’t without its close calls. Lando Norris nearly collided with a slow-moving Isack Hadjar at the end of the session, prompting a post-race investigation by the stewards. Another incident involving Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll, where Leclerc nearly crashed due to not seeing Stroll, will also be reviewed.
Red Bull Upgrades on Display
Red Bull brought upgrades to their RB20, targeting areas around the floor fences and edges. While the true impact remains unclear, Verstappen’s performance suggests they might be making progress in their fight against McLaren.
Focus on Weather and FP2
With rain a possibility, teams will be keeping a close eye on the weather radar as FP2 approaches. Drivers who missed FP1 due to their cars being used by young talents will be eager to get back on track and make up for lost time. Yuki Tsunoda, whose session was cut short after getting beached in the gravel, will also be looking to redeem himself in FP2.
Intrigue Abounds
The top teams displayed a good mix of performance on different tire compounds, leaving the true pecking order unclear. Aston Martin’s early pace also injects some excitement into the midfield battle. With Verstappen not utilizing the soft tires yet, the true picture of performance will likely emerge in FP2.
Overall, FP1 was a session filled with promise for young drivers and intrigue for established stars. The battle for supremacy at the British Grand Prix promises to be thrilling, and FP2 will provide a clearer picture of where everyone stands.
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