Ricciardo’s fastest Ferrari fly flag at half-mast in tribute to Marchionne
BUDAPEST: Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo was fastest in the first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The narrow Hungaroring track is among the most difficult to overtake on in Formula One, and considered more favourable to cars with a strong downforce like Red Bull and Ferrari.
Ricciardo was followed by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and then his Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen in warm and sunny conditions.
Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was fourth, then Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, who struggled to find pace on a track not best suited to their cars.
Hamilton, who won last weekend’s German Grand Prix from 14th place on the grid, briefly lost control of his car on Turn 5 and also complained of his tires.
Verstappen also spun, while Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg aborted his run before the end of practice because of engine problems.
Ferrari’s team garage and motorhome flew their flag at half-mast and team members wore black armbands, after the death of their former president Sergio Marchionne. Vettel and Raikkonen also had black bands attached to their cars.
Marchionne, who was 66, died on Wednesday after complications from surgery in Zurich.
Mercedes head of motorsport Toto Wolf paid a personal tribute.
“We as well are very shocked by events. He was a friend and ally, a great rival and a competitor and will be dearly missed,” Wolf said.
“Sergio was a bigger personality than life. In the meetings and in the strategy groups, and in the negotiations with Formula One and the FIA, (he) had the most powerful voice. His shoes are impossible to fill. ... There was only one Sergio Marchionne.”
After a second practice later yesterday, there will be a third practice and qualifying today. — AP