Verstappen leads first practice for Belgian Grand Prix ahead of Hamilton
Formula1.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 12:56 PM
Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Max Verstappen set the fastest time during the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, recording a time of 1:47.070. He finished just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who was 0.145 seconds slower. Charles Leclerc from Ferrari followed closely in third. Various teams brought new components, resulting in grid penalties for Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar before the main event. Oscar Piastri took fifth for McLaren but experienced a hydraulic issue towards the end of the session. The next session, Free Practice 2, will begin later today at 1700 local time.
- •Verstappen records 1:47.070 to top FP1 at Spa-Francorchamps.
- •Hamilton finishes second, 0.145 seconds behind Verstappen.
- •Hadjar and Norris receive significant grid penalties before the race.
- •Oscar Piastri finishes fifth despite a late hydraulic issue.
- •Free Practice 2 is scheduled for later today at 1700 local time.
"Max Verstappen was the driver to beat during FP1 for the Belgian Grand Prix, with the Ferrari pair finishing close behind.
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