FP1: Sainz heads a Ferrari one-two in opening practice at Spa

F1 Grand Prix, GP Belgium, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

Despite a dominant showing from reigning world champion Max Verstappen at the start of the session, Carlos Sainz ended up fastest in the opening practice for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, pipping his teammate Charles Leclerc in a rain-affected session.

When the session started, drivers did not hesitate any time to head out on to the 7.004km Spa-Francorchamps track to kick off the last leg of the 2022 F1 season. The weather also played a part, serving as a driving force in motivating drivers to roll out quickly with clouds gathering over the track and some raindrops making conditions tricky.

Drivers used the intermediate tyres in the first minutes of the session to complete their installation laps. However, the rain stayed away and drivers could enjoy a dry track during their first proper run. Max Verstappen was the only one among the top drivers to use Pirelli’s red-walled soft tyres. The Dutchman posted a 1m46.755s at the end of his first run which was over a second and a half quicker than what his rivals managed at that point of the session.

The first race weekend after the summer break did not start smoothly for Valtteri Bottas failed to set a time due to engine problems.

The session was not trouble-free for Kevin Magnussen either with the Dane driver encoutering relaibility issues with 20 minutes to go. The Haas driver was told to stop his car on the hill down to Eau Rouge-Raidillon for which the session was red flagged. The American team suggested that the problem was down to a high voltage issue.