Last Updated: 07/22/22 2:51 PM Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Anthony Davidson breaks down Charles Leclerc’s fastest lap from P1 at the French GP. Anthony Davidson breaks down Charles Leclerc’s fastest lap from P1 at the French GP. Charles Leclerc maintained his momentum in the world championship battle to beat title rival Max Verstappen in the fastest time in Practice One at the French Grand Prix. Leclerc set a time of 1:33.930 for Ferrari at Le Castellet’s Paul Ricard circuit to pip Verstappen’s Red Bull by less than a tenth of a second, building on the momentum he created by winning in Austria two weeks ago. Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz, who faces a grid penalty in Sunday’s race after getting a new Control Electronics following his engine failure in Austria, was third. A close second to Leclerc in fourth was George Russell for Mercedes, who were without Lewis Hamilton in the opening session as Nyck de Vries filled in for the seven-time world champion to fulfill the team’s young driver testing obligations. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was lucky to avoid the wall after he went off during first practice ahead of the French Grand Prix
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was lucky to avoid the wall after he went off during first practice ahead of the French Grand Prix Pierre Gasly took a surprise fifth for AlphaTauri as he impressed in his home race, while fellow Red Bull Sergio Perez was sixth after narrowly avoiding the wall after a dramatic turn 3 spin. Lando Norris was seventh for McLaren, with Alex Albon an encouraging eighth for Williams. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you cannot view these Privacy Options
Leclerc’s performance further boosted Ferrari after the Monegasque ended a seven-race winless streak last time out in Austria to cut Verstappen’s world championship lead to 38 points. However, while Ferrari once again displayed impressive pace, they were reminded of the reliability issues that have plagued the Italian team’s season. Leclerc was left alone for the win in Austria as a throttle problem plagued him in the closing stages and he quickly took to team radio on Friday to complain about a throttle-related issue.

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There was also confirmation midway through Friday’s first session that Sainz would receive a 10-place penalty on Sunday, which could increase if the Spaniard chooses to replace further engine components. Red Bull were not without problems either, as Verstappen requested bodywork tape on his car in the closing stages, following a close inspection by team technical director Adrian Newey. There was some cause for optimism for Verstappen, as it was only a poor – and clearly improved – final field that saw him beaten by Leclerc.

Wolff: Merc’s performance ‘excessive’

Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Toto Wolff says Mercedes ‘not where they want to be’ after French GP P1 and discusses Nyck de Vries exit in Lewis Hamilton’s car
Toto Wolff says Mercedes ‘not where they want to be’ after French GP P1 and discusses Nyck de Vries exit in Lewis Hamilton’s car Expectations were high for Mercedes coming into Friday, with the smooth nature and layout of the Paul Ricard circuit expected to suit the Silver Arrows, who have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. However, with Hamilton watching from the garage, Russell could manage a time just a second slower than Leclerc, with de Vries half a second behind in ninth. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 immediately after the session, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted he had been disappointed by the car’s lack of pace. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries takes to the track as he replaces Lewis Hamilton for first practice ahead of French GP
Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries takes to the track as he replaces Lewis Hamilton for first practice ahead of French GP “(It wasn’t) where we want to be,” Wolff said. “We’re testing a lot of pieces, but we’re just missing the pace at the moment in free practice. “We’ve got some aerodynamic tweaks to the floor, to the side skirts – little things that should make it better. “It’s still early days, but the performance in FP1 was a bit underwhelming. We don’t seem to be getting enough out of it, so we’ll do some comparisons and see what the afternoon gives us.” Hamilton will return to his car for Practice Two, which is broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 at 4pm.