FP1: Russell tops rain-interrupted opening session

F1 Grand Prix, GP Hungary, Hungaroring

Mercedes driver George Russell set the benchmark time on the damp Hungaroring in the opening practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix. F1Technical’s senior writer Balazs Szabo reports from the Hungaroring paddock.

Clouds were gathering ahead of the 60-minute session, prompting drivers to hit the track as soon as the lights switched to green. However, the action was quickly interrupted as Red Bull driver Sergio Perez crashed into the barriers at Turn 5.

Coming over the crest at Turn 4, the Mexican used the wide kerbs at the exit just too much and lost control of his car. The session was briefly halted to clear the track.

However, as the session resumed, rain started to fall. As the intensity of the rain was quite low, most of the drivers stayed in their garages with only a few of them opting for an installation lap.

Following a heavier shower, drivers decided to hit the track for some laps on the damp surface. However, the action was stopped again as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz spun at Turn 3. Although his car did not pick up serious damage, he was unable to get his SF23 going with the Race Direction left with no other choice than red-flagging the session again.

With marshals pushing the Ferrari back on to the track, Sainz was able to limp back to the Ferrari garage with his car having picked up minor damage to the endplate of its front wing.

With only 11 minutes left on the clock, several drivers came out on to the 4.3km Hungaroring to gain some experience on the challenging damp surface. In the end, George Russell set the best lap tim to top the opening session with McLaren racer Oscar Piastri taking second.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen and eight-time Hungarian Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton completed a few installation laps, but neither of them set a timed lap.