Charles Leclerc topped first practice at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as Ferrari’s significantly upgraded car impressed at Imola.
Leclerc finished just over a tenth of a second clear of George Russell, who also delivered promising pace in his upgraded Mercedes.
Carlos Sainz was marginally behind Russell to take third in the other Ferrari, but world championship leader Max Verstappen could only manage fifth behind his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.
In perhaps the most highly-anticipated Formula 1 practice session of the season so far with Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes all bringing new parts, Leclerc was able to thrill the Tifosi by providing a performance that suggests Verstappen will continue to be challenged throughout the weekend.
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Lewis Hamilton narrowly avoided a crash after his Mercedes car went spinning during FP1 at Imola
The Dutchman, who holds a 33-point world championship lead as he chases a fourth successive drivers’ title, grew increasingly frustrated as he went off track twice when attempting flying laps in the closing stages of the session.
After claiming his maiden F1 victory two weeks ago as McLaren rolled out their own major upgrade package in Miami, Lando Norris was eighth ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Yuki Tsunoda took an encouraging sixth for RB, with Lewis Hamilton seventh after going off track several times as he struggled with the handling of his Mercedes.
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Alex Albon brings out an early red flag during FP1 at Imola after his Williams appeared to lose power
The session was paused for just over five minutes when Alex Albon was forced to stop on track after a technical failure on his Williams.
British teenager Oliver Bearman was 15th for Haas as he made the first of six practice appearances scheduled for this season, as he seeks to build on an impressive debut when deputising for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia in March.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Emilia Romagna GP schedule
Friday May 17
2pm: F3 Qualifying
2:55pm: F2 Qualifying
3:45pm: Emilia Romagna GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5:30pm: The F1 Show
Saturday May 18
9am: F3 Sprint
11:15am: Emilia Romagna GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.10pm: Emilia Romagna GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: Emilia Romagna GP Qualifying
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
5.30pm: Indy 500 Qualifying
Sunday May 19
7.30am: F3 Feature Race
9am: F2 Feature Race
12:30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Emilia Romagna GP build-up
2pm: The EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Emilia Romagna GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
8pm: Indy 500 Qualifying
Formula 1 heads to Europe as Imola returns to the calendar following last year’s cancelled race. Watch the Emilia Romagna GP this weekend, with Sunday’s race at 2pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime