Lewis Hamilton sets third fastest time at first practice for Monaco Grand Prix in improved Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton sets the third fastest time in first practice at the Monaco Grand Prix in his improved Mercedes.. but the session is cut short when Alex Albon crashes his Williams into the wall
- Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes has received a massive upgrade package at Monaco
- The Brit set the third fastest time in the first practice for the Monaco Grand Prix
- The session had to be cut short after Alex Albon crashed into the wall
Lewis Hamilton set the third fastest time in first practice for the Monaco Grand Prix – a session was cut short when Williams’ Alex Albon hit the wall with minutes to go.
The British-born Thai complained of his knees popping but was not seriously injured in the 150km/h incident at the first corner, Sainte Devote.
His front and left rear wheels were hanging off when the red flag was waved, but he still declared himself ‘OK’ over the radio.
As for Hamilton, he was armed with the massive upgrade pack making his debut on the tight streets of the Principality.
A new sidepod, front suspension and floor are all introduced in an effort to solve the fundamental design issues that have hindered their progress over the past year.
Lewis Hamilton debuts an upgraded package on his Mercedes at the Monaco Grand Prix
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion set the third fastest time during the first practice on Friday
Hamilton finished the session, in 26C heat, six tenths behind Ferrari’s pacesetter Carlos Sainz. Fernando Alonso was second fastest for Aston Martin.
Alonso, who has been so impressive in Monaco over the years, was expected to be strong this weekend and he started practicing at 4/1 with the bookmakers for victory on Sunday. Hamilton was 25/1. Mercedes is traditionally not strong in Monaco.
On Sunday it will be 539 days since Hamilton last won a race, the longest drought of his career.
Here Hamilton’s third place meant he was ahead of world champion Max Verstappen, who complained of handling problems and was only sixth. Teammate Sergio Perez was fifth fastest, one place behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the local boy.
Nico Hulkenburg bumped his Haas on the curb after exiting the tunnel. A red flag was waved and he took no further part.
Hamilton’s teammate George Russell was 15th – 1.7 seconds off the pace – which was hardly a dream start with the new upgrade.
The session had to be cut short after Alex Albon crashed his Williams into the wall, although the driver avoided serious injury despite the 150km/h collision.