Spanish Grand Prix 2024: Lando Norris clocks fastest while Fernando Alonso pulls out red flag, check out highlights of FP1

The Formula 1 caravan has returned to Europe with the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. After two wet races in Monaco and Montreal, this weekend teams and drivers had to counter European heatwaves during the first free practice session on Friday. 

In the FP1, McLaren’s Lando Norris was the quickest on the track. Norris clocked 1:14.228 to outplay reigning champion Max Verstappen in the first session of the weekend. Verstappen was just two-tenth of a second slower than the race leader. It’s worth noting that Verstappen was constantly facing issues with the clutch as he was heard saying, “The clutch keeps anti-stalling." 

Ferrari also improved its performance after a double DNF in Montreal. Local boy and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz finished third fastest while Mercedes driver George Russell took fourth position. After two back-to-back poor performances, Sergio Perez also looked impressive as he finished fifth in FP1. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton completed the Top 7. 

Brief Red Flag affects the FP1! 

A red flag halted the session with 21 minutes left, triggered not by a crash but by debris on the track. Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin shed a significant piece of its floor, a front wing flap, which lay dangerously close to the racing line at Turn 9's exit. The incident highlighted the fragility of Alonso's car parts, as the flap detached when the car traversed an exit kerb. The halt in proceedings allowed marshals to clear the debris, ensuring safety before the session resumed.

Also Check: WATCH: Top 5 moments from Spanish Grand Prix

Here are the results of the Spanish Grand Prix 2024 FP1: 

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