The Spanish Grand Prix has only just begun, but the first conclusions, after the two free runs on Friday, point to a change in trend. A year ago, Max Verstappen won here for the second consecutive edition and with a 24-second advantage at the finish line. This time, the three-time Red Bull champion is going to have to suffer to face rivals who keep up the pressure. Lando Norris has surpassed him in the morning rehearsals and Lewis Hamilton led the second session, ahead of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. Three cars in half a tenth and none of them was the Red Bull.
Max Verstappen, who finished the day in fifth position, did not seem comfortable with the Red Bull. Neither does Fernando Alonsowho after a few first laps with the medium tire, complained about the lack of grip and returned to the box to change the configuration of the rear wing in search of more downforce.
The track conditions have been difficult for everyone, although the Mercedes, discreet in the morning in their first contact with the Circuit’s asphalt, have emerged strongly in the afternoon sessionwith Russell at the top of the provisional time table (1.14.089) and Hamilton in third position.
Sainz already promises war
Ferrari has not decided to use the soft tires in Free Practice 1 and despite this Carlos Sainz has managed to place third on the medium. In the second round, in his first round with the fastest tire, the Madrid native, ultra-motivated at home, climbed to first place (1.13.286), which Hamilton took from him shortly after (1.13.264).
The Spaniard, supported by his fans and who this weekend arrives determined to vindicate himself at home, It has been left at just 22 thousandthswith Norris at 55 and the World Championship leader, Verstappen, more than two tenths behind Hamilton’s time.
Alonso, for his part, has ended up relegated to 14th position after many minutes in the Aston Martin garage, in search of solutions that will allow him to take a step forward in a grand prix that is running for the 21st time and in which, no matter what happens this Sunday, he is the absolute king for the fans .
2024-06-21 16:24:47
#Hamilton #leads #Friday #Montmeló #ahead #Sainz
