Story perspectives

Russell Leads First Practice Ahead of Verstappen

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 2:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

George Russell topped first practice with a 1:45.387 lap, 0.4 seconds faster than Max Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli retired after a hydraulic failure stopped his car at Turn 7, triggering a Virtual Safety Car.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the top four, within 0.44 seconds of Russell.
Mercedes will inspect its hydraulic system before second practice to avoid further reliability problems.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis collapsed when Michelin-shod teams withdrew after the FIA refused a chicane, leaving only six Bridgestone cars to start. The 2024 Monaco practice saw George Russell post a 1:45.387 lap before Kimi Antonelli’s hydraulic failure caused a Virtual Safety Car, prompting Mercedes to audit its hydraulics. Both incidents show how safety crises drive regulatory and team action.

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Story summary

George Russell topped first practice with a 1:45.387 lap, 0.4 seconds faster than Max Verstappen.
Kimi Antonelli retired after a hydraulic failure stopped his car at Turn 7, triggering a Virtual Safety Car.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the top four, within 0.44 seconds of Russell.
Mercedes will inspect its hydraulic system before second practice to avoid further reliability problems.

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