McLaren driver Lando Norris, of United Kingdom, takes a turn at the Senna corner during the first practice session at the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Friday, June 7, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
MONTREAL - Formula One drivers encountered unpredictable weather conditions during a practice day at the Canadian Grand Prix. Lightning, heavy rain, and hail preceded Friday’s sessions, with intermittent sunshine.
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin topped the timesheets, navigating the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve fastest, while McLaren’s Lando Norris led the first practice. The fluctuating weather poses strategic challenges for teams ahead of the weekend’s sessions.
Additional rain is forecasted, affecting practice, qualifying, and potentially the race itself. Drivers faced challenging conditions on the track, with some experiencing spins and near misses. Max Verstappen encountered technical issues, ending his session prematurely.
Amidst the racing action, drivers shared personal superstitions, including Lance Stroll's ritual of washing his underwear and Lewis Hamilton's lucky charms. McLaren Racing chief Zak Brown commemorated team victories with tattoos, reflecting McLaren’s strong performance this season.
