Hamilton fastest in EL1 at Imola, Gasly starts strong

The return of the Formula 1 after 14 years of absence in Imola (Italy) is accompanied by a unique program. Instead of three days of driving, including a Friday dedicated to training, only a free practice session allowed the drivers to get their bearings, this Saturday, October 31.

The teams therefore had an hour and a half to fine-tune their settings and break in the tires. Under a mild sky, the single-seaters began by clearing the dead leaves from the asphalt.

But very quickly, the times began to panic. Always with one constant: the Mercedes and Red Bull de Max Verstappen at the forefront. No surprise then to see Lewis Hamilton finish the session with the best time in 1'14''726, three tenths ahead of the Dutchman and almost half a second ahead of his teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Confirmed withinAlpha Tauri in 2021, Pierre Gasly ideally launches his meeting with the fourth time, nine tenths behind the English leader. The Frenchman, who pays homage to his idol Ayrton Senna by taking the Brazilian's colors on his helmet, is ahead Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who complained of a lack of downforce on the front axle.

The duo Renault rolls grouped with Daniel Ricciardo ahead Esteban Ocon. Author of several excesses outside the limits of the track, Alexander albon (Red Bull) is already feeling the blow and conceding more than a second to his colleague.

Transparent in Portimao (Portugal) last week, Romain Grosjean (Haas) is doing well with the 13th time in front of McLaren timid. Carlos Sainz Jr even went into the gravel trap at the last turn.

As usual this season, the Williams bring up the rear. Nicholas latifi, renewed next season with George Russell, was the victim of brake by wire problems (rear brakes).

The qualifying session is scheduled for 14 p.m. and can be followed on AUTOhebdo.fr with live text.

Ranking of free practice: