Max Verstappen wasted no time in asserting his authority at the Belgian Grand Prix, as the reigning world champion topped the timesheets in a dominant display during Friday's opening practice session.
Despite some changes to his Red Bull RB20, including the removal of the engine cover and cooling-specific components from the Hungarian GP, Verstappen was immediately on the pace at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. He set the early benchmark with a 1:44.7, over a second quicker than Oscar Piastri in the McLaren.
As the session progressed, the drivers faced a challenge in managing their tire temperatures, with Lewis Hamilton reporting that his tires "don't feel great" and that he was struggling to keep the temperatures down. This allowed Verstappen to further extend his advantage, eventually setting a blistering 1:43.372 on the soft compound tires, over half a second clear of Piastri in second.
Williams' Alex Albon put in a strong performance to round out the top three, showcasing the potential of the FW46 on the challenging Spa circuit. Meanwhile, Mercedes continued their development work, with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton testing the team's latest upgrades, including a revised diffuser and floor edge.
The session was not without its moments of drama, as Daniel Ricciardo had a spin at La Source while on the hard tires, but the Australian was able to recover without incident.
With the forecast calling for potential rain and showers throughout the weekend, Friday's dry conditions provided the teams with a valuable opportunity to gather crucial data and fine-tune their setups ahead of the unpredictable weather that could play a significant role in the outcome of the Belgian Grand Prix.
As the paddock prepares for the remainder of the weekend, all eyes will be on Verstappen and his Red Bull team, who have once again demonstrated their raw pace and dominance in the opening practice session. The stage is set for an exciting battle at Spa, with the teams and drivers eager to make the most of every opportunity that arises.
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