Last Updated: 07/29/22 2:54 PM Carlos Sainz set the pace in Practice One at the Hungaroring
Carlos Sainz beat Max Verstappen with the fastest time in first practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix as Ferrari looked to have an early advantage over Red Bull. Sainz was involved in a three-way battle with Red Bull’s world championship leader Verstappen and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc throughout the session, but it was the Spaniard who took the lead with a 1:18.750 at the Hungaroring. Lando Norris took fourth place for McLaren, ahead of the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who were separated by the other Red Bull of Sergio Perez. The other McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo was half a second behind his teammate in eighth, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso completed the top 10. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Sergio Perez battles allergies in Practice One as he faces sneezing episode on Red Bull team radio
Sergio Perez battles allergies in Practice One as he faces sneezing episode on Red Bull team radio The introduction of a new rear wing appeared to provide some improvement for Aston Martin as Sebastian Vettel, who on Thursday announced he will retire at the end of the season, finished one place ahead of teammate Lance Stroll in 11th. Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you cannot view these Privacy Options
After Verstappen took advantage of Leclerc’s crash from the lead at last week’s French GP to extend his world championship lead to 63 points, Ferrari have been left with little margin for error for the remaining 10 races of the season. The expectation heading into Hungary for the final race before F1’s summer break was that the style of track would suit the Italian team better than Red Bull, and early indications suggested that may be correct, with Sainz to take first place despite the fact that he had recorded his best lap. a set of tires with which he had already attempted to fly. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Mick Schumacher unhappy with Ferrari after one of his cars prevents him from improving his P1 time
Mick Schumacher unhappy with Ferrari after one of his cars prevents him from improving his P1 time That Sainz once again got the better of team-mate Leclerc was also notable, with the Spaniard seemingly holding the lead last weekend in France but unable to compete for victory due to a grid penalty for the acquisition new engine parts. Leclerc promised on Thursday that he had moved on from his disastrous mistake in France but will no doubt be keen to restore his status as team driver for the rest of the weekend. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the session, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner accepted his team could be at the back in Budapest. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Christian Horner predicts Ferrari will have the edge over Red Bulls at the Hungaroring but expects a very tough battle
Christian Horner predicts Ferrari will have the edge over Red Bulls at the Hungaroring but expects a very tough battle “I think they could have the advantage here, but after the summer break maybe Spa, Monza will ironically come back against us,” Horner said. “I think it’s going to be ebb and flow, but it’s going to be very, very tight.”

Does Saturday’s forecast affect Mercedes’ approach?

                                                            Lewis Hamilton was seventh in FP1 for Mercedes

Along with Ferrari, there was also speculation that the smooth nature and layout of the Hungaroring could suit Mercedes, who secured their first double podium of the season last weekend in France. While this was an encouraging result for the Silver Arrows, the reality was that if Leclerc had finished the race and Sainz had not faced a grid penalty, neither Hamilton nor Russell would have made the podium. Ultimately it was difficult to gauge in Friday’s opening session exactly where Mercedes stood, with both drivers spending considerable time on tracks on hard tyres, while Ferrari and Red Bull prioritized the faster soft options. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Nikolas Latifi’s helmet cam gives us the driver’s perspective of a lap around the Hungaroring in Practice One
Nikolas Latifi’s helmet cam gives us the driver’s perspective of a lap around the Hungaroring in Practice One This decision was likely influenced by the fact that rain is expected throughout the day on Saturday, meaning a dry run in Practice Three is unlikely, while qualifying also looks almost certain to take place in wet conditions. The only point in the session – around the halfway point – when Mercedes tried the soft run, Russell finished second and Hamilton fifth, with the two drivers within three tenths of last year at that stage, suggesting that they may be closer to their rivals than was the case in France, when the margin was often around a full second. The forecast, which also indicates the possibility of rain and cooler conditions for Sunday’s race, will no doubt be a factor on the minds of all teams as they prepare for Practice Two, which is broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 from 4pm on Friday.