Sainz Leads First Monaco GP Practice, Albon Crashes Out

The First Practice Session at the Monaco Grand Prix Ends with a Crash by Williams Driver Alex Albon at the First Corner

In what can only be described as a shocking start to the first practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix, British-born Thai driver Alex Albon crashed his Williams car into the barrier at the first corner after losing control midway through Saint Devote. This led to an early end of the practice session and saw other drivers lose valuable time on track.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Sets The Pace Followed By Fernando Alonso And Lewis Hamilton in Upgraded Mercedes

Before Alex Albon’s crash, he had impressed with 10th fastest time up to that point. However, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was able to set a blistering pace in his car, followed closely by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton in an upgraded Mercedes.

Max Verstappen Struggles To Keep Up As Other Drivers Perform Well In Their Cars

The championship leader Max Verstappen appeared to struggle throughout this particular practice session. Complaining about how low his car was set and bottoming out during corners left him struggling behind both his teammate Sergio Perez as well as Charles Leclerc from Ferrari. It would have been interesting to see how much faster Leclerc could go if not for being blocked by Alex Albon’s crash.

Lando Norris Impresses For McLaren Despite Being One Of The Slowest Cars At Previous Race At Monaco

Much credit must be given to Lando Norris who put in an impressive performance setting seventh fastest time in his McLaren car. This is especially worth mentioning as the team was one of the slowest at the previous race held in Monaco.

Hamilton Encouraged By Upgraded Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton had an encouraging practice session, particularly given that he now has a new upgraded car featuring revised front suspension, sidepods and floor which could potentially lead to better performance during this year’s Grand Prix. The multiple-time champion remained towards the forefront throughout most of his runs on track before ultimately being surpassed by Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso respectively.