Austria FP1: Max third in productive session

Published on 29 June 2018 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen clocked the third fastest lap time in the opening session of the Austrian Grand Prix. Sporting a new helmet design, a ‘thank you’ gesture to his loyal sponsor Jumbo, Max was only beaten by the two Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. The world champion came on top in a session that proved productive for Verstappen. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing lapped the Red Bull Ring 42 times.

At the start of the session we see a familiar face back in the cockpit. Sergey Sirotkin has made way for Robert Kubica. The Pole, like in Spain, has a chance to drive the Williams FW41 for the British outfit.

In an uneventful session, it is the top three teams that rule the roost with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes), Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo occupying the top six throughout FP1.

As is common on a Friday, the drivers are finding the limit. Max found it quickly but went over it; the Dutchman goes wide at turn 3 but a quick 360 helps his RB14 back on track.

After the first set of tyres are handed in to Pirelli, most drivers opt for the ultra-softs, resulting in tumbling lap times. Mercedes are unfazed by the switch of compound with their driver duo still leading the way. Behind them, Max has upped the pace and set the third quickest time.

In the closing stages, the teams focus on long runs, with the lap times no longer improving. It means the two Mercedes finish FP1 at the top of the leaderboards with Max in third. Vettel, Ricciardo and Raikkonen are the usual suspects completing the top six.

Enter our Austrian Grand Prix contest with a chance to win a Red Bull teamline Polo Shirt

Results first free practice Austria: