Verstappen is the fastest in the first practices of the Canadian GP

the dutch Max Verstappen, reigning Formula 1 World Champion and leader this season, led the times in early practice at the Canadian Grand Prix on Friday.

The Red Bull driver beat the Spanish Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) by two-tenths of a second in a sunny practice session in front of a huge crowd of Canadian fans, who are celebrating the return of racing to Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after a three-year absence.

Also Spanish Fernando Alonso (Alpine), two-time World Champion, He was third fastest ahead of Mexico’s Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who used a rebuilt engine after the team scrapped the unit that failed last week in Azerbaijan.

The Monegasque Leclerc, who has accumulated four consecutive pole positions without later achieving victory, he was 0.5 seconds behind the pace set by his rival Verstappen.

. Results from the first free practice session:

Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:15.158 (27 laps)

Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari) 1:15.404 (34)

Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:15.531 (31)

Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) 1:15.619 (32)

Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:15.666 (30)

George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 1:15.822 (29)

Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:15.877 (32)

Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:15.877 (27)

Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:16.041 (33)

Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:16.083 (29)

Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri-Red Bull) 1:16.165 (29)