In the first practice session for the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap time, with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso closely behind in second place.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton secured the third quickest lap in a revamped Mercedes, featuring significant upgrades to the sidepods and suspension. Last year's Monaco winner, Sergio Perez of Red Bull, finished fourth on the timesheets.
Prior to the start of track action, Perez had acknowledged that Monaco is not Red Bull's strongest circuit, despite their dominant performance this season, winning all five races with four one-twos. The Mexican driver identified the Ferrari drivers and Alonso as the main threats at this iconic street circuit.
Sainz posted the best lap time of 1:13.372 on medium tires under the watchful eye of Ferrari president John Elkann. His impressive time was 0.338 seconds faster than Alonso's effort, solidifying Ferrari's strong start in Monaco.
The session concluded three minutes early due to a red flag caused by Alex Albon's crash at the exit of the Sainte Devote first corner, damaging the left side of his Williams. Earlier, practice was temporarily suspended when Nico Hulkenberg clipped the barrier and spun his Haas at the Nouvelle Chicane after the tunnel.
Monaco local hero Charles Leclerc, aiming for his third consecutive pole position in his home Grand Prix, finished fifth fastest for Ferrari. Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen, who admitted discomfort with his car's setup, came in sixth. McLaren's Lando Norris rounded off the top seven in the timesheets.
The first practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix provided a glimpse of the intense competition and challenges that lie ahead for the drivers in this prestigious street circuit. The stage is set for an exciting battle as the teams and drivers fine-tune their strategies for qualifying and the race ahead.
(With inputs from Reuters)
