Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

7 minutes read. Updated 3:00PM GMT Fri, 19July, 2024

In a thrilling start to the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz emerged as the quickest driver in the first practice session, clocking a time that was 0.276 seconds faster than Red Bull Racing’s reigning world champion, Max Verstappen. This early performance marks a promising development for Ferrari, who have introduced an upgraded floor designed to address ongoing aerodynamic issues that have plagued their recent races.

Ferrari’s Competitive Edge

Sainz’s impressive lap time highlights Ferrari’s strategic improvements, with his team-mate Charles Leclerc also showing strong performance by securing the third-fastest time, just 0.298 seconds behind his fellow driver. Mercedes’ George Russell finished fourth, indicating a competitive field as the teams gear up for the race.

Unexpected Results and Upgrades

Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu showcased the unpredictable nature of practice sessions by securing the fifth position, suggesting that performance can vary significantly. Meanwhile, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri placed sixth and seventh respectively. Notably, Lewis Hamilton, fresh off a victory at the British Grand Prix, finished 10th in the second Mercedes car. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who has faced recent criticism for subpar performances, finished behind Hamilton, underscoring the mounting pressure on him to deliver better results.

Red Bull and Aston Martin’s Significant Upgrades

Red Bull Racing unveiled their most substantial upgrade of the season, incorporating a revised engine cover, front wing, and both front and rear aerodynamic tweaks. Verstappen emphasized the importance of these upgrades for their season’s trajectory, stating, “We are bringing quite some things to the car. It is a bit bigger than what we have brought already. And of course, I hope that will give us a bit of lap time. If this does not give us some good lap time, then I don’t know how the rest of the season is going to evolve.”

Aston Martin also introduced major updates, focusing on a heavily revised floor and modifications to their front wing and beam wing. These changes aim to address drivers’ concerns about the car’s inconsistent handling. Fernando Alonso expressed his frustrations, noting, “The car is not easy to drive and it’s a little bit unpredictable at times. This inconsistency affects the driver’s confidence, making it difficult to push the car to its limits.”

Early Performance Indicators

Despite the significant upgrades, initial feedback was less optimistic. During the first session, Alonso, using the new specifications, and Lance Stroll, with the previous setup, struggled with their cars. Stroll finished ninth, while Alonso ended the session in 13th place, indicating that Aston Martin’s upgrades may require further refinement.

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