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Max third in Paul Ricard opening practice

Published on 18 June 2021 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen clocked the third fastest time in the opening practice session of the French Grand Prix. Valtteri Bottas lapped the Paul Ricard circuit quickest ahead of Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton.

From the moment the pitlane opens for FP1, it is busy out on track with the drivers keen to make the most of the hour long session.

Ten minutes in, Max heads the timing sheets by setting a time on the hard Pirelli compound. Soon after, the McLarens of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz go quickest, but the Dutchman quickly retaliates on his next flying lap to reclaim top spot.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel has gone off-track. The German spins going into turn eleven before brushing the barriers with his Aston Martin. Despite damage to the rear wing, the four time champions is able to drive back to the pits.

With half an hour to go, both Max ands Hamilton head out on the soft tyres. Hamilton goes quickest, with Max a close second. Soon after, Bottas pips both championship contenders to go top.

Max explains to the team that the front of his RB16B is not doing what he would like it to do on turn-in. After a quick visit to the pits, where the team makes some changes, Max ventures out for another flying lap. Despite purple sectors 1 and 2, the Dutchman cannot beat the Mercedes and has to settle for third in FP1.

Contest GP France: win a Red Bull Racing backpack

 

Results first free practice France:

posdriverteamtimelaps
1Valtteri BottasBOTMercedes1:33.448
2Lewis HamiltonHAMMercedes1:33.783+0.335s
3Max VerstappenVERRed Bull Racing Honda1:33.880+0.432s
4Sergio PerezPERRed Bull Racing Honda1:34.193+0.745s
5Esteban OconOCOAlpine Renault1:34.329+0.881s
6Daniel RicciardoRICMcLaren Mercedes1:34.644+1.196s
7Fernando AlonsoALOAlpine Renault1:34.693+1.245s
8Pierre GaslyGASAlphaTauri Honda1:34.699+1.251s
9Lando NorrisNORMcLaren Mercedes1:34.707+1.259s
10Yuki TsunodaTSUAlphaTauri Honda1:34.847+1.399s
11Charles LeclercLECFerrari1:34.950+1.502s
12Antonio GiovinazziGIOAlfa Romeo Racing Ferrari1:35.116+1.668s
13Kimi RäikkönenRAIAlfa Romeo Racing Ferrari1:35.135+1.687s
14Lance StrollSTRAston Martin Mercedes1:35.275+1.827s
15Sebastian VettelVETAston Martin Mercedes1:35.289+1.841s
16Carlos SainzSAIFerrari1:35.342+1.894s
17Nicholas LatifiLATWilliams Mercedes1:35.612+2.164s
18Nikita MazepinMAZHaas Ferrari1:36.651+3.203s
19Mick SchumacherMSCHaas Ferrari1:37.329+3.881s
20Roy NissanyNISWilliams Mercedes1:37.881+4.433s