EL1 – Hamilton without problem despite the rain

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) set the best time in the first free practice session for the United States Grand Prix held on the Austin circuit (Texas). With a time of 1’36”335, the Briton is five tenths ahead of his rival for the title Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), and six tenths of his teammate Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes). Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is around, just a second away all the same. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) finished in the second half of the table (16th), but provided two longer stints than his young colleague.

The French remained discreet on this cool morning. Esteban Ocon (Force India) nevertheless beats his colleague Sergio Pérez by five hundredths and sets the 8th time. The pink single-seaters were the only ones to run on super soft tires (yellow sidewalls). Romain Grosjean (Haas) finished 15th, three seconds behind the best time. The Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Sauber) finished 19th.

The drivers started the session wearing intermediate tires (green sidewalls) due to a morning shower. Several free figures punctuated the installation laps, notably those of Daniel Ricciardo and Sean Gelael (Toro Rosso). The sole manufacturer Pirelli had brought a prototype of the intermediate tire which could be used next year.

Fernando Alonso (McLaren), who has just confirmed his commitment to the British team for 2018, suffered mechanical problems from the first minutes of testing. The next training session will begin Friday evening at midnight French time.