EL1 in Budapest: Red Bull 0,079s ahead of Ferrari

The pilot Red Bull signs the best time in Free Practice 1 (1’17”613) and is ahead of the Ferrari de Sebastian Vettel of 79 thousandths. His teammate Max Verstappen confirms the good dispositions of the RB14s on the Budapest turnstile where engine power plays a lesser role by rising to 3rd place at 88 thousandths.

Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) finished 4th while the Mercedes are discreet during a session contested under a clear sun (28°C in the air, 44°C on the track). Lewis Hamilton et Valtteri Bottas emerge respectively 0,423s and 0,857s from the first reference of the Magyar weekend. The four-time British world champion was notably not very satisfied with the balance of his Silver Arrow.

Note that only the Ferraris fitted Ultra-Soft tires, with Red Bull and Mercedes simply evaluating the behavior of the Soft and Medium tires provided by Pirelli.

In the middle battle, the struggle between Haas et Renault continues on the banks of the Danube. Romain Grosjean, Nico Hulkenberg, Carlos Sainz, and Kevin Magnussen are held in two tenths between 7th and 10th places. The German, however, had to cut his session short after reporting a loss of power on his R.S.18 half an hour from the checkered flag.

Pierre Gasly finishes at the gates of the Top 10 with his Toro Rosso-Honda; the 3rd musketeer, Esteban Ocon, had to settle for 15th time aboard the best-ranked Force India.

Despite the introduction of a new Ferrari engine, the Saubers appear to be behind for the moment. Antonio Giovinazzi, who was making the second of his six appearances in EL2 this season – this time replacing Charles Leclerc -, is in 18th position, while Marcus Ericsson, who spun twice, brings up the rear more than three seconds behind the time. Ricciardo.

The second free session will start at 15:00 p.m. on the Hungaroring, which hosts the F1 for the 33rd time in a row this season.

CLASSIFICATION (END OF FP1)

Daniel Ricciardo takes the top spot in the opening session

Red Bull and Ferrari leading the Mercedes pair so far…#HungarianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/NBJuaEDEmp

- Formula 1 (@ F1) July 27, 2018