Formula 1: Sainz set the best time at the start of training in Monaco

On Friday, the Spaniard turned the fastest lap on the 3.337 km long circuit on the Côte d’Azur. Sainz relegated his compatriot Fernando Alonso to second place in the Aston Martin, followed by record world champion Lewis Hamilton in the completely renewed Mercedes. Last year’s winner Sergio Perez in the Red Bull finished fourth. His teammate, world champion Max Verstappen, finished sixth behind local hero Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. After Nico Hülkenberg in the Haas caused a red phase in the hour-long session, Alexander Albon demolished his Williams shortly before the end.

Mercedes sent Hamilton and his British teammate George Russell onto the track in a heavily revised car. The changes were actually planned for Imola a week ago. However, the Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna was canceled due to storms and severe flooding. Among other things, the Silver Arrow, which was painted black again this year, got a new front wheel suspension, as well as a new underbody and new side boxes. The concept practically without them turned out to be unsuccessful.