Leclerc leads Hamilton in Monaco practice, Verstappen fourth

MONTE CARLO:

Home hero Charles Leclerc was on top of the times for Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton said Mercedes gave him his best day for two years after the pair dominated Friday’s opening practice for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

The 26-year-old Monegasque driver was quick throughout the day as he set a best lap of one minute and 11.278 seconds to finish 0.188 seconds clear of Hamilton, who was fastest in the opening session earlier in the day.

“Overall, we had a good day and I feel confident about the car which is important here for tomorrow and for qualifying,” said Leclerc.

“I pushed hard and I think more risk paid off, but in qualifying we will all be at the limit.

“So far, we’ve done a good job, but we have to keep working, stay focused … it’s been a positive first day.”

He added that the form of Hamilton, who will join him at Ferrari next year, was strong.

“Lewis has been in it all day today so we have to maximize here and get pole,” he said.

“I had two poles in the past, but without turning them into a result.”

Hamilton looked equally content with his opening efforts on a day when Monaco’s capricious microclimate threatened rain.

“It was a good day,” Hamilton said. “Definitely the best we’ve had on the track and the car is really positive.

“I love driving the car and the track is amazing.

“The grip is pretty good and although we have some challenges with the balance that we need to fix overnight, it looks strong. It’s the best it’s been here for over two years.”

Fernando Alonso was third for Aston Martin as Hamilton showed his experience with a renewed performance around the unforgiving Mediterranean obstacle course.

Championship leader Verstappen was just fourth, half a second behind Leclerc, who is yet to finish on the podium on roads he knows so well, confirming fears that Red Bull could struggle.

“I’m jumping like a kangaroo and it hurts,” complained the Dutchman.

“It’s not easy to see a solution. I don’t think we can improve much for tomorrow.”

Lando Norris, winner of his maiden F1 race in Miami three weeks ago, was fifth for McLaren ahead of Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari, Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin and Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull.

A spirited Alex Albon was ninth for the improved Williams team and George Russell 10th in the second Mercedes, ending the session complaining of steering problems, but was as excited as Hamilton by his car’s performance with their latest upgrades.

“We know how quickly things change, but today was certainly one of our best Fridays,” he said.

“There’s no doubt about it. This car feels the best I’ve ever felt around Monaco. So, lots of positives.”

Earlier in the day Hamilton had joked that it would be easier for him to learn Italian, ahead of his move to Ferrari next year, than to challenge for the podium at Monaco, where he has won three times and is considered an expert.

At the end, she was smiling with anticipation and filled with hope.