Verstappen Leads Incident-Filled Canadian GP First Practice

In cool but bright conditions, the first free practice session of the Canadian GP at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve delivered multiple dramatic moments — with Max Verstappen ultimately setting the fastest time.

Lack of grip proved to be the main challenge for drivers. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari suffered a serious incident when his car hit the wall at Turn 3 after locking his front right tire, causing a brief red flag.

“This was purely my mistake,” Leclerc said after the incident.

Several other drivers also experienced difficulties:

• Franco Colapinto (Alpine) spun at Turn 2
• George Russell and Lando Norris slid onto grass
• Lewis Hamilton made a full spin at Montreal hairpin

Verstappen eventually topped the session with a time of 1:13.193, narrowly leading Alex Albon of Williams by 0.039 seconds. Williams’ surprising performance continued with Carlos Sainz taking third position.

James Vowles, Williams team principal, acknowledged his team’s high position was partly due to a different practice program. Second free practice is scheduled for later in the Montreal afternoon.