EL1: Mercedes above the fray

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg produced promising performances on the drying track of the Hungaroring where the first practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix took place. After a start to the session where the intermediate tires were out, the three-time world champion set the best time with a time of 1'21''347 signed on the new Budapest surface which trapped several drivers. The Briton was ahead of his teammate by more than two tenths.

The Ferrari de Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen are the closest to the W07 Hybrid even if they are almost two seconds behind even though they also used the super soft tires. The SF16-H are ahead of the Red Bull RB12 Daniel Ricciardo et Max Verstappen which evolved with soft rubbers. THE McLaren de Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button preceded the Haas de Romain Grosjean, while the Force India of Sergio Pérez completes the top ten ahead of the second Indian car led by Nico Hulkenberg.

The German finished ahead of the Williams by Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, the Finn being the first driver more than three seconds behind the benchmark. Carlos Sainz Jr placed first Toro Rosso in 14th place ahead of the Sauber of Marcus Ericsson. Charles Leclerc (Haas), replacing Esteban Gutiérrez, set the 16th fastest time ahead of Felipe Nasr (Sauber).

Esteban Ocon (Renault) continued his tests at the wheel of the R.S 16 of Kevin Magnussen finishing in 18th place and preceding Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso) and Rio Manor Haryanto and Pascal Wehrlein. Jolyon Palmer (Renault) completes the list after completing only six laps.

Results of free practice 1 of the Hungarian Grand Prix