Max quickest in Styrian GP FP1

Published on 25 June 2021 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was quickest in the opening practice session of the Styrian Grand Prix. The Dutchman was quickest ahead of Pierre Gasly’s Alpha Tauri and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

At the start of the session, it is slightly overcast and 23 degrees at the Red Bull Ring. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) is the first driver on track, soon followed by Robert Kubica, who takes over Kimi Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo FP1 duties.

It is not the best start of the day for the Polish veteran as he is the first to trigger a yellow flag after going off at turn three. Fortunately, no damage was done and the Alfa Romeo driver can continue his session.

Max is also one of the early runners. He does so on the medium Pirelli tyres. The Red Bull Racer feels right at home at the Red Bull Ring by going quickest on his first timed run.

After 25 minutes, both Mercedes appear on track with the soft Pirelli tyres. Hamilton and Bottas both make good use of the extra grip and go to the top of the timing sheets.

However, soon after, at the halfway mark, Max joins the front runners on the soft compound and clocks the quickest time of the session.

In the closing stages, Max completes a run on a set of used mediums, like many other, meaning most lap times are not bettered and Max holds on to P1.

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Results first free practice Styria: