Verstappen beats Sainz to fastest time by 0.022s, Albon third

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Oct 12, 2023, 05:11 am

SILVERSTONE, Great Britain -- Max Verstappen narrowly beat Carlos Sainz to the fastest time during Friday practice for this weekend's British Grand Prix.  

Verstappen was 0.022s clear of last year's British Grand Prix winner Sainz in a mixed order that featured two Williams cars in the top five and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in 15th.

The presence of the current championship leader at the top of the standings came as no surprise, but Sainz's lap showed the potential of the Ferrari on a circuit where Verstappen has only won once.

Sainz's teammate Charles Leclerc failed to complete a lap in the second Ferrari after an electrical issue ruled him out of the second practice session.

Williams impressed throughout Friday practice with Alex Albon third fastest in both sessions and Logan Sargeant fifth fastest in the second session.

The team's Friday performance, which saw Albon 0.218s off Verstappen's fastest lap, follows two consecutive weekends where the Williams driver has been in contention for points.

Further surprises in the top ten included Nico Hulkenberg in seventh place for Haas and the absence of the two Mercedes drivers.

George Russell finished the session 12th fastest, 1.160s off Verstappen, while Hamilton was 1.205s off the Red Bull in 15th place.

Mercedes brought an upgraded front wing to this weekend's race, which the team hoped would build performance following its car concept change at the Monaco Grand Prix.