Verstappen quickest as Hulkenberg returns to F1 action

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen clocked the fastest time as Formula 1’s spectator-less British Grand Prix got underway at a hot Silverstone.

In temperatures peaking at 32c Verstappen used the Soft tyres to set a time of 1:27.422, putting him almost half a second up on Medium-shod Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton, who has won five of the last six grands prix at Silverstone, was the only other drivers to dip into the 1:27s.

Racing Point’s Lance Stroll maintained his recent strong form as he classified third, ahead of Red Bull’s Alexander Albon and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the only others to get within a second of Verstappen.

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Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s nearest rival in the standings, was sixth, in front of Renault duo Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo.

Hulkenberg gets back to action

Nico Hulkenberg was preparing for a punditry role in his native Germany 24 hours ago but by Friday morning found himself back in a Formula 1 cockpit for the first time since December.

Sergio Perez’s positive Covid-19 test meant Racing Point required a replacement and Hulkenberg – a free agent following his exit from Renault after 2019 – was given a call.

Hulkenberg had to undertake a rapid Covid-19 test, fly to England, and carry out a seat fit – as well as going through other assorted procedures – and formal confirmation of his drive only came 10 minutes before FP1.

Hulkenberg completed 23 laps in the RP20 – sporting an all-black helmet – and finished ninth overall, just 1.170s down on leader Verstappen.

More woe for Ferrari

Ferrari’s troubled start to the delayed 2020 campaign continued as Sebastian Vettel completed only two non-timed installation laps.

An anomaly within the intercooler system prompted Ferrari to undertake a thorough check and as a result his SF1000 had to be stripped down, benching him from the remainder of the session.

Ferrari hopes to ready Vettel’s car in time for the second session.

Alfa Romeo also had trouble, with both Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi suffering spins during the early stages of running.

Giovinazzi’s off through Chapel resulted in the Italian sustaining severely damaged tyres and the vibrations led to small parts detaching themselves from his C39.

The session was briefly halted as a result in order to allow marshals to retrieve the debris.

Second practice is due to begin at 15:00 local time.