Charles LeClerc topped the first practice session in Imola ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell and teammate Carlos Sainz. The return to the traditional race weekend format after two successive Sprint weekends means plenty of running time for the teams as they will complete three one-hour sessions this weekend prior to qualifying.

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the FP1 action from Imola as Leclerc sets the pace, with Verstappen P5

The busy session saw many teams emerging early to test their new upgrade packages whole some tested young drivers for the first time this year. Oliver Bearman, having filled in for Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia, was in the Haas of Kevin Magnussen for the session for the first of six scheduled free practice sessions for the young driver.

Russell led the way initially prior to the session coming to a brief halt roughly 20 minutes in , when Alex Albon’s Williams was pulled off the course due to a mechanical issue. After the session resumed, LeClerc on a fresh set of soft tires went fastest and held the top spot for the remainder of the session.

The wind became a point of contention for many teams, with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen both being affected with gusting winds during the session. Hamilton went for a spin but returned to the circuit while Verstappen spent much of the final 10 minutes of the session off track complaining of a lack of grip with his RB20.

Cars hit the track again at 16:00 local time for Free Practice 2, stay tuned for more coverage.

FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES GRAN PREMIO DEL MADE IN ITALY E DELL’EMILIA-ROMAGNA 2024 Schedule

Free Practice 1 Results