Leclerc tops Monaco practice despite early crash as Ferrari lead the way

Charles Leclerc recovered from an early collision to set the fastest time in Friday’s opening practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix, edging out Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a tight field.

The Monegasque driver, aiming to repeat his historic home victory from last year, locked up at Mirabeau early in the session and later triggered a red flag after colliding with Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin at the Hotel Hairpin. Stroll appeared unaware of Leclerc’s proximity as he moved into the racing line, despite receiving team messages.

Both drivers were able to return to the pits for repairs, with Leclerc requiring a new front wing. The Ferrari driver bounced back to clock a best lap of 1:11.964, finishing 0.163 seconds clear of four-time world champion Verstappen.

McLaren’s Lando Norris placed third, three-tenths off the pace, ahead of an impressive Alex Albon for Williams and current championship leader Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren. George Russell took sixth for Mercedes.

Carlos Sainz was seventh for Williams, followed by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari finished ninth, with Fernando Alonso rounding out the top ten for Aston Martin.

(Source: AFP)