United States – FP1: Mercedes untouchable, Verstappen behind

For the first time in two years, the Circuit of the Americas hosted the Formula 1 during the first Free Practices of this United States Grand Prix. At the end of the first hour of driving a trend emerged with a big advantage of Mercedes It front of Red Bull and in particular that of Max Verstappen.

Recharged for several weeks, the W12s of the German team imposed their law in these EL1 with Valtteri Bottas in the lead ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton. On a track where top speed plays an important role, the Finn did very well and posted a 1’34”874 to position himself at the top of the timesheet. Also very fast in Austin, the Englishman settled for 2nd place, just 45 thousandths behind his neighbor in the garage.

Main threat from Mercedes, Max Verstappen was unable to do anything on the track this Friday. Despite a fresh engine, the Dutchman was not able to compete and finished in 3rd place, more than 9 tenths from Valtteri Bottas' mark! Behind, the Ferrari completed the Top 5 with Charles Leclerc before Carlos Sainz. The two men were respectively 1″4 and 1″6 behind the leader.

Small surprise to note at the bottom of the Top 10 with the presence of Alfa Romeo in 9th and 10th positions. Antonio Giovinazzi, suffering from problems with his helmet, set the 9th fastest time of the session, 2 full seconds behind Valtteri Bottas, while Kimi Räikkönen ranked 10th, 2 seconds behind his compatriot.

At Alpine, the weekend did not start in the best way, particularly for Fernando Alonso. Present on the track among the first, the bull from Asturias was forced to stop his A521 at turn 12 after a technical problem with the engine. Moved, its car leaked fluid, suggesting a leak in the powertrain. Luckily, the Spaniard was able to return to the track with less than a quarter of an hour to go without distinguishing himself. He finished 15th, 2″1 from the lead whileEsteban Ocon ranked 12th. Everything suggests that the American weekend will be trying for the Blues.

The 1st practice session of #USGP🇺🇸 immediately interrupted by Alonso stopped in the loophole. Fluid seems to be leaking under the car 👀 pic.twitter.com/AQYn95MMvK

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) October 22, 2021

On the side of Daniel Ricciardo, the reaction still does not come. In the tough competition in Turkey a fortnight ago, the Australian finished this first session in a sad 16th place, more than 2″5 behind the benchmark. Nicholas latifi, Yuki tsunoda, Mick Schumacher et Nikita mazepin bring up the rear behind him.