FP1 Report | Verstappen shows pace, Alonso surprises in third

Max Verstappen ended up topping the first practice session in Canada after a hectic session saw rain threats, smoking-brakes, and an Alpine-rocketship.

It was a rushed start to the first practice session in Canada as a massive rain cloud loomed over the circuit, threatening to flood the track at any point, and causing all the drivers and teams to head out immediately. Fortunately the rain never came and it was Verstappen who topped the first session at Montreal since the last Grand Prix in 2019.

Red Bull and Ferrari swap fastest laps

While it was Verstappen who eventually topped the times at the end of the session, it could've been any of the top drivers to take the top spot. The Red Bulls looked mighty early on, securing the top two positions for half of the session. The Ferraris showed up later into the session, taking the top spot back with Carlos Sainz, before Verstappen eventually took P1 with confidence towards the end.

Alonso showing mighty pace

The surprise of the session was Alpine's Fernando Alonso who ended up securing P3 on the Medium Tyres. The Spaniard finished behind his compatriot Sainz in second, nd was only four tenths away from the session-topping time of Verstappen. Is 'El Plan' back on target?

Ocon suffers smokey brake failure

15 minutes into the session, the first problems of the weekend showed for Alpine's Esteban Ocon. Smoke started to bellow from his front-right brakes and he soon saw a complete failure from the brakes. Once the Frenchman managed to carefully make his way back to the Alpine garage, the cause of his issues was identified. A paper-towel-like sheet was found covering the brake ducts, causing the brakes to overheat and fail. Unfortunately for Ocon, this meant that he had to sit out the rest of the session in the Garage.