Charles Leclerc goest fastest in Miami, Russell and Verstappen close behind – Miami GP FP1

Formula 1 was back this weekend. A brand new race at a brand new circuit and the entire paddock was in a mood. And under the warm sun, the weekend got off  with Free Practice 1.

CLASSIFICATION (END OF FP1)

Leclerc, Russell and Verstappen lead the way in @f1miami #MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Mf4L58Zj0G

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 6, 2022

Red Flag Issues 

The drivers had to spend a bit of time getting used to the newly built track. There were multiple cars spinning off but no major incidents. The only Red Flag came when Valterri Bottas spun his car and went into the wall at Turn 7.

Learning a new track is never easy!

Valtteri Bottas brought out the red flag in first practice after hitting the wall 💥#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/MI0Y1PWLuo

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 6, 2022

Charles Leclerc got off to a great start to the weekend. He managed to tame the tough chicanes and had a few sketchy moments as well. He looks to extend his lead vs Max Verstappen this weekend.

Sainz Spins

His teammate Carlos Sainz suffered a spin which led to a puncture, but the car and drivers were otherwise unharmed. This meant that Carlos Sainz finished the session in P6

Biiiiiig spin for @Carlossainz55 in first practice!

Thankfully the @ScuderiaFerrari driver escaped with just a puncture 😅#MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/TdWb8O6uDE

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 6, 2022

The Mercedes car of Geroge Russell looked particularly quick as George Russell set the second-fastest time of the session. The Mercedes cars, although slower in a straight line, were not porpoising as much as in the previous races. A happy sight for Mercedes fans all over. 

Max Verstappen brushes the Wall

Max Verstappen had set the fastest time but he touched the wall during a hot lap and he was forced to wait in the pits for repairs.

That was close, Max! 😅

This circuit is certainly proving to be a tricky one for drivers to adapt to 👀#MiamiGP #F1

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 6, 2022

He came back and managed to get the third-fastest time of the session. However, he had the second-lowest number of laps completed (17) only ahead of Bottas (16)

Here are the final standing at the end of FP1