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Norris Topped the Charts in Rainy Canadian Grand Prix Free Practice 1
In a stormy opening session at the 2024 F1 Canadian Grand Prix, McLaren’s Lando Norris emerged as the fastest driver in the first free practice. Norris navigated the treacherous conditions with a best time of one minute and 24.435 seconds. Early morning storms, heavy rain, and an eventual sunny reprieve characterized the session at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Ominous signs for what could be an unpredictable weekend in Montreal.
Weather Took Center Stage
The day began with a vicious storm that drenched the island circuit and pummeled spectators with hailstones. The storm delayed the start of the first practice session by 25 minutes. When the pit lane finally opened, drivers cautiously took to the newly resurfaced track. Lewis Hamilton was the first to post a time.
Early Red Flag
Just as the sun began to peek through and the track started to dry, officials abruptly halted the session. Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu brushed the wall, scattering debris across the track and bringing out the red flags. This interruption provided the teams with a brief pause before resuming under rapidly improving conditions.
Slicks Came Out
With the circuit drying quickly, drivers switched to slick tires as the session progressed. This shift allowed for a flurry of activity and improved lap times as the practice finished under sunny skies.
Alpine’s New Face
A notable addition to the session was Alpine’s Australian reserve driver, Jack Doohan, who stepped in for Esteban Ocon. Ocon, recently informed that his contract would not be renewed for the next season, watched as Doohan took to the track. Unfortunately, the young Australian was unable to post a time, leaving the door open for further evaluation. Ocon will return for the second practice session on Friday afternoon.
Norris Lead the Way
Lando Norris took full advantage of the drying conditions, posting the fastest time and pushing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz down the time sheets. Norris’s effort blocked off a perfect start to the weekend for Ferrari, with Sainz finishing second and Leclerc, fresh off his Monaco victory, in third.
Lewis Hamilton, who celebrated his first career win at this circuit, was fourth fastest for Mercedes, showcasing his comfort in mixed conditions. Red Bull’s championship leader Max Verstappen rounded out the top five, indicating a competitive field despite the challenging weather.
As the teams prepare for the second practice session, the focus will be on adapting to the changeable weather conditions that Montreal is known for.
Full results of the first free practice session here.
