The first free practice session for the 2023 Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone finished with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing top of the timing charts, with a lap time of 1:28.600.
Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, followed closely behind, clocking a time of 1:29.048, making it a Red Bull one-two at the top of the timesheets in a session when the teams tweaked their setups for the iconic circuit.
Williams’ Alexander Albon, who has consistently challenged for the top 10 this season, secured the third-fastest time, while Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari rounded out the top five
Mercedes had a relatively subdued session, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton back in 12th and teammate George Russell close behind in 14th place with a time of 1:29.874.
Albon Outpaces Alonso and Ferrari Pair
Albon managed to surpass both Alonso and the duo from Ferrari with his exceptional effort. Alonso, driving for Aston Martin, trailed behind by a margin of approximately one-tenth and half a second, as he had a relatively quiet start to the session.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fifth place, while Esteban Ocon found himself in between the two Ferrari drivers, with Carlos Sainz finishing in seventh position.
Lando Norris once again showed the potential of his car’s new upgrades as he claimed eighth for McLaren. Lance Stroll was ninth and Oscar Piastri, who now had the same upgrades as Norris did in the previous race in Austria, finished in tenth place.
