Saudi Arabian GP Results: Max Verstappen Goes Fastest In FP1

The results of the first Free Practice session ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen topped the timesheets during the first Free Practice session ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

Following the Red Bull driver were Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez who put in the second and third fastest times. 

The first Free Practice session is not fully representative for the Grand Prix on Saturday due to it taking place earlier in the day than both Qualifying and the race. However, it has provided the teams with crucial data collection time. 

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was absent from the media day yesterday due to illness and so ran a shorter session in FP1 today as he continues to recover.

Lewis Hamilton was heard reporting issues of bouncing at the rear of the W15. Lance Stroll also ran into a small issue when he clipped the race wall. Problems also arose with plastic bags on the circuit. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc commented to his race engineer:

"The track is like Mario Kart. There is like plastic bags everywhere!"

Red Bull Press Image

Saudi Arabian GP FP1 Results

1. Max Verstappen - Soft tyres (S)
2. Fernando Alonso - S
3. Sergio Perez - S
4. George Russell - S
5. Charles Leclerc - S
6. Carlos Sainz - S
7. Lando Norris - S
8. Lewis Hamilton - S
9. Lance Stroll - S
10. Alex Albon - S
11. Valtteri Bottas - S
12. Daniel Ricciardo - Medium tyres (M)
13. Esteban Ocon - S
14. Logan Sargeant - S
15. Oscar Piastri - S
16. Yuki Tsunoda - M
17. Pierre Gasly - S
18. Zhou Guanyu - S
19. Nico Hulkenberg - M
20. Kevin Magnussen - M