HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the FP1 action from Imola as Leclerc sets the pace, with Verstappen P5

It was Ferrari versus Mercedes in Friday’s opening hour at Imola, as Charles Leclerc led the way from George Russell in first practice for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. World champion Max Verstappen wound up fifth, one place down on Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez.

Verstappen was among several drivers to run off-track as the field pushed the limits in windy conditions at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari. There was also a brief red-flag period thanks to a technical issue which ended Alex Albon’s session early in the Williams.

FP1: Leclerc leads Russell and Sainz during first practice in Imola as Albon brings out red flags

Miami winner Lando Norris had a relatively low-key outing, finishing in P9 for McLaren, while Oliver Bearman was back in F1 action, the Ferrari reserve going 15th in one his six planned FP1 sessions with Haas this season.

Catch the highlights from FP1 in Imola by clicking the video above, ahead of FP2 later today.