Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc on Friday dominated the first practice session ahead of the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Miami, as Mercedes sparked some hope as George Russell overtook both Red Bull cars.
Leclerc completed the 19 laps and 5.41 kilometers around Hard Rock Stadium in 1 minute 31.098 seconds aboard his Ferrari. Meanwhile Russell took second place.
Max Verstappen followed in third place ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez. Verstappen and Leclerc shared the honour of the first four events of the season with two wins each.
Lewis Hamilton was in eighth place with his Mercedes W13. The Briton became particularly attentive after resisting the FIA’s anti-jewelry rugulations.
FIA argues that jewelry represents a risk in the event of an emergency response to a crash, but Hamilton has stressed that he cannot to take out some piercings and is willing to miss the race if he is punished.
The seven-time world vhampion finally submitted a document to the FIA, in which he explained that he would withdraw anything before the first exercise session. He got an exception in terms of his earrings and his nose piercing.
“They are personal things. You should be able to be who you are. There is stuff that I cannot move. I literally cannot even take these out. These ones on my right ear are welded in so I would have to get them chopped off. They will be staying.” Hamilton said.
“I couldn’t get any more jewellery on today. I don’t really have a lot more to add than last time when I spoke about it. I feel like it’s almost like a step backwards.” he added.
Last week, the FIA came down hard on Formula E drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Mitch Evans for wearing necklaces in their cockpits, giving them a suspended fine of 1,000 euros and putting a point on their licenses.
