During Monaco Grand Prix practice, Lewis Hamilton skillfully approaches the apex of the Nouvelle Chicane.
The results are in from FP1 at the Monaco Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton going fastest in a mixed session for the drivers as they get set for a unique weekend.
Both Red Bull drivers set their fastest times on the medium tyres as different teams took varying approaches to the session in Monte Carlo, as the field got their first laps this season of Formula 1’s most historic circuit.
Lewis Hamilton tops FP1 in Monaco as drivers get first taste of Monte Carlo
Anticipating potential rainfall in the afternoon, the drivers lined up in the pit lane eager to start their laps around Monaco as soon as they could.
Practice is of utmost importance for the drivers’ confidence, particularly at this circuit. It helps them establish a strong connection with the steering wheel.
In light of the track and drivers’ accumulation during a dry weekend in Monte Carlo, it is expected that Oscar Piastri’s early flying laps of a 1:18 will be considerably slower than pole position by approximately eight seconds or more come Saturday.
The drivers wasted no time in getting into the 1:14s on the hard tyres, but they were not immune to mistakes. Hamilton experienced a lock-up at the Nouvelle Chicane, causing his front tyres to skid, while Hulkenberg had to take the escape road at Sainte Devote, spinning his Haas before resuming his race.
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Pierre Gasly encountered a problem with the wastegate on his power unit, which significantly disrupted his session. However, the rest of the cars managed to complete numerous laps during the first practice session in Monaco.
Soft tyres went on and a flurry of faster times were set, with Hamilton going fastest – just 0.029s clear of Oscar Piastri and a tenth clear of Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
Zhou Guanyu’s collision with the wall at the exit of Sainte Devote caused the red flags to be displayed momentarily. The debris from his Kick Sauber scattered onto the track, compelling the drivers to return to the pit lane.
In Monte Carlo, the drivers hit the track once more for the last 10 minutes. There were scattered raindrops in the air, and a variety of run plans were being executed. Additionally, there was a chance of more showers later in the afternoon as FP2 drew near.
2024 Monaco Grand Prix: FP1 results
1 Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes 1:12.169
2 Oscar PIASTRI McLaren +0.029
3 George RUSSELL Mercedes +0.126
4 Lando NORRIS McLaren +0.227
5 Charles LECLERC Ferrari +0.228
6 Fernando ALONSO Aston Martin +0.606
7 Lance STROLL Aston Martin +0.620
8 Yuki TSUNODA RB +0.706
9 Daniel RICCIARDO RB +0.732
10 Carlos SAINZ Ferrari +0.785
11 Max VERSTAPPEN Red Bull +0.815
12 Sergio PEREZ Red Bull +1.060
13 Valtteri BOTTAS Kick Sauber +1.079
14 Kevin MAGNUSSEN Haas +1.221
15 Alexander ALBON Williams +1.256
16 Nico HULKENBERG Haas +1.407
17 Logan SARGEANT Williams +1.981
18 Esteban OCON Alpine +1.990
19 Guanyu ZHOU Kick Sauber +2.401
20 Pierre GASLY Alpine +3.405
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