Verstappen wins 1st practice at Silverstone: calendar problems! “The mechanics suffer the most”

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The criticism of the greedy American owners (Liberty Media) is expanding. Also from the fans who don’t follow the calendar madness on TV all year round. Imagine the 2024 World Cup being decided early – and then there are the races in Las Vegas on November 23, Qatar on December 1 and Abu Dhabi on December 8.

Where is the pain threshold?

“It doesn’t make much sense anymore. But we have to live with it,” said world champion Verstappen. His threat of dismissal can be taken as seriously as Alonso and Hamilton’s previous statements: “We will retire immediately after 25 races!”

Helmut Marko, director of Bullen Motorsport, also sees the dangers of too many races: “Everyone is overwhelmed by mental and physical fatigue. The mechanics in particular have already reached their limits.” With working days until 4 pm. Greetings from the drivers and team bosses of the private jets!

Max is chasing his own record

In the first practice session at Silverstone at 24 degrees, Verstappen immediately took the lead. The seven-time winner of the season is chasing his own record from last year (15 successes). The Dutchman is already 81 points ahead of teammate Pérez, who has long known his limits. The Mexican needs to focus backwards (Alonso and Hamilton).

After half an hour, Verstappen was replaced at the top by the Ferrari duo Sainz and Leclerc. The Spaniard celebrated his first GP victory here a year ago on his 150th attempt. There was no more. Once the red tires are faster again, the rivals are wide awake – and look at the bike! Like 2019.

De Vries and Sargeant tremble

After Ferrari, Esteban Ocon briefly took the lead in the heavily converted Alpine. Leclerc then reported from first place. However, only 0.4 seconds ahead of the Dutchman Nyck de Vries in the Alpha Tauri Honda, who even finished 4th.

So the driver who, like Logan Sargeant (Williams-Mercedes), who also has no points yet, has to tremble for his seat. The American was again hit by teammate Albon (3rd).

Alfa-Sauber: Step into place

Eleven minutes before the end, Verstappen failed – best time. Another question mark on the way: Mercedes: 12th Hamilton, 14th Russell. On the other hand, the Aston-Martin-Mercedes team, just four kilometers from the track, is slowly getting back into shape: 4th Alonso, 9th Stroll.

And Alfa Sauber? The people of Hinwil are also fighting to catch up with new updates or the old box. 15. Bottas 18. Zhou. Behind only the two Haas Ferraris of Magnussen and Hülkenberg.

The results of the 1st training session

Source : Blick