Leclerc has dominated the first free practice sessions, with Verstappen only 91 thousandths away and Sainz, third at 3 tenths
Ferrari has changed the engine control unit of the Madrid car and in all likelihood will resort to the fourth engine
charles leclerc has started in front in the first free practices of a French Grand Prix marked by the extreme heat wave and by rumors that this could be the last visit of Formula 1 to the Le Castellet circuit, due to the situation of ‘overbooking’ on the 2023 calendar. The Ferrari driver was the only one to drop below the 1.34 barrier (1’33″930) and led FP1, although with minimal differences compared to World Championship leader Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who finished second, 91 thousandths behind the Monegasque.
Carlos Sainz was third at 3 tenths, followed by George Russell, Pierre Gasly and Sergio Pérez. Ferrari has changed the engine control unit of Sainz’s car, which is already equivalent to ten sanction positions on the grid, although it is expected that those from Maranello will change the entire power unit and the driver from Madrid will penalize starting last on Sunday. The Scudería did not want to anticipate his decision in this regard, but Carlos himself warned on Thursday that the chances of resorting to the fourth engine after the fire in Austria were “quite high”.
Alpine incorporates important improvements in the home Grand Prix but for now, Esteban Oconm (13th) and Fernando Alonso (15th) have not starred in an outstanding debut. Mercedes does seem to confirm its leap forward, with Russell in fourth position and junior Nick DeVries, who has replaced Lewis Hamilton in this first session, located in the top 9.
The high temperatures at the Paul Ricard circuit, a factor that could be decisive in the development of this grand prix, have been noticeable since the first free practice sessions, which have been held with 29.9º degrees of atmosphere and 55º on the asphalt. The second session is scheduled this afternoon at 5:00 p.m.