Leclerc Leads the Pack in Imola's Opening Practice Session for Ferrari.

Posted 5 months ago

In a whirlwind first practice session at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerged as the fastest driver on the track.

Despite a few dramatic moments, Leclerc showcased his speed and skill, setting the pace for what promises to be an exciting race weekend.

During the first practice at Imola, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc showed off the team's latest upgrade by setting the fastest time, edging out George Russell's Mercedes by just 0.104 seconds. Carlos Sainz, in the second Ferrari, secured the third spot.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, leading the championship, faced grip issues and landed in fifth place, while his teammate Sergio Perez claimed fourth. McLaren's Lando Norris, fresh from a victory in Miami, ranked 12th, with his teammate Oscar Piastri in eighth.

Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull placed sixth, ahead of Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc enjoyed a smooth run, but other drivers encountered mishaps.

Sainz ran wide over the grass, Hamilton spun at Acque Minerali and had another off-track excursion, and Russell had a challenging moment at Tamburello.

Verstappen voiced concerns about grip at Turns 11 and 12, Acque Minerali, citing bottoming when braking and a lack of front grip during turn-in.