EL1 – Verstappen thwarts the ice in Istanbul, Gasly 4th

It probably came from a good feeling. The commissioners of the Istanbul circuit (Türkiye), not content with welcoming the Formula 1 for the first time since 2011, wanted to clean the track by watering it this Friday, November 13 in the early morning.

Unluckily, the autumn coolness caused an icy effect, accentuated by recent resurfacing. As a result, the cars drove on an ice rink for most of this first 1h30 free practice session!

The red flag was even waved, partly for the track conditions, but mainly to remove the demarcation block from the pit entrance, torn off by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari).

Moreover, the best times were established around twenty seconds from the forecast, until the last half hour. Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat (Alpha Tauri) as well as Nicholas latifi (Williams) and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) were surprised with a spin, without consequence.

Once the tarmac thermometer returned to around twenty degrees, activity on the track progressed. First in front, the Ferraris gave in to both Red Bull. Max Verstappen dispossessed his teammate Alexander albon best time in his final attempt.

The Frenchman Pierre Gasly finishes with the fourth time and is inserted between Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc. Note that the winner of the 2020 Italian Grand Prix was equipped with medium tires (yellow sidewalls) while the Reds ran with hard compounds (white).

Only one McLaren saw the checkered flag. Lando Norris celebrates his 21st birthday with the seventh fastest time while his colleague Carlos Sainz Jr first suffered an electrical problem, before stopping at the side of the circuit.

Esteban Ocon (Renault) is 10th, just behind Valterri Bottas. The likely future seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) remained very discreet with the 14th time. Same anonymous session for Daniel Ricciardo (Renault, 18th) and George Russell (Williams), last while the Englishman will have to start from the back of the grid after a prohibited engine change.

Free Practice 2 will begin at 12:50 p.m. French time.