The positions at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix took shape very early on Friday, with the announcement of the relegation of Charles Leclerc on the last place of the grid on Sunday, soon joined by Max Verstappen. But that didn’t prevent the first free practice session from delivering some lessons. Under a gray sky which dumped a heavy downpour at the end of the session, the Ferraris were immediately very comfortable.
Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap in 1’46”538, followed by Charles Leclerc (+0”069). Behind, Max Verstappen was not far on his Red Bull (+0”217), while a small gap then widened, with George Russell (Mercedes, +0”858) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin, +0”899).
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes, +1”882) finished ninth in a session where the number of laps was limited by an engine problem from Kevin Magnussen. Sa Haas stopped in the middle of the track and several minutes were needed to evacuate it.
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