Hungarian Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz produces fastest lap ahead of Max Verstappen in first practice

ByHarry Latham Coyle

Updated 29/07/2022 at 19:48 GMT

Carlos Sainz finished 0.130 seconds quicker than Verstappen, who leads the Drivers' Championship by 63 points with ten races remaining. The Dutchman in the Red Bull split the two Ferraris, with Charles Leclerc, his closest world title rival, in third. Lando Norris performed well in the McLaren, recording the fourth fastest time at the Hungaroring.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz (1:18.750) topped the opening practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Spanish driver finished 0.130 seconds quicker than Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who leads the Drivers' Championship standings.

Verstappen split the two Ferraris, with his closest title rival Charles Leclerc a place further back ahead of Lando Norris, lapping well in the McLaren.

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FP1 passed without major incident, though both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso did run off the Hungaroring track.

Beyond the top four, George Russell (Mercedes), Sergio Perez (Red Bull), Hamilton (Mercedes), Norris's teammate Daniel Ricciardo and the two Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Alonso completed the top ten.

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Aston Martin have introduced a new rear wing ahead of the race weekend in Mogyorod, tweaking their end-plate in a move that has caused controversy on the grid.

Their two drivers finished just outside the top ten, with Sebastian Vettel ahead of Lance Stroll.

Vettel announced this week that the 2022 season would be his last in Formula 1.

Haas have also made significant changes ahead of the 13th race of the year, which continues with the second practice session later on Friday.

Verstappen has taken a commanding lead as he bids to defend the crown he won so controversially last year.

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The Dutchman has a 63 point advantage with ten race weekends to go after Leclerc was forced to abandon at the French Grand Prix.

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