Verstappen fastest in Belgian GP first practice, Hamilton second

Verstappen fastest in Belgian GP first practice, Hamilton second describes the opening day pace at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. On Friday, July 17, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in the first practice, clocking a best time of 1:47.070. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were the closest rivals, finishing 0.145 and 0.207 seconds behind Verstappen. Verstappen, a four-time Belgian-born champion who has won three times at Spa including 2023, will also be aiming at a record-equalling sixth attempt by Hamilton. The session included strategy and personnel notes, with Verstappen changing to a more conventional rear wing after high-speed crashes in the last two races. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was fifth, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli sixth, and Lando Norris seventh, with Norris carrying a 10-place grid penalty after qualifying last year.