Taking advantage of a new front wing, Quebecer Lance Stroll was the fifth fastest driver in the first free practice session of the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix on Friday at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
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The Aston Martin team driver covered the Ardennes track in 1 min 47.437 s, only being beaten by the two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz (1:46.538) and Charles Leclerc (1:46.607), of the Red Max Verstappen’s Bull (1:46.755) and George Russell’s Mercedes (1:47.396).
Sebastian Vettel (1:49.813), whose car was equipped with the old front wing and a drastic rear wing configuration significantly reducing downforce, settled for 15th place, more than two seconds from his teammate.
The Belgian stopover could well be interesting for Stroll and Aston Martin, since several drivers – up to six according to several media – will start from the back of the grid due to changes in elements within the power unit. Leclerc and Verstappen should be among them.