JUST IN: Lewis Hamilton Involved in Frightening Crash as Leclerc Tops FP1 After…Read more
Lewis Hamilton Involved in Frightening Crash as Leclerc Tops FP1 After Incident with Stroll
The opening practice session (FP1) of the Monaco Grand Prix kicked off with drama and incident, as Lewis Hamilton endured a terrifying crash while Charles Leclerc recovered from a collision to finish fastest.
Hamilton’s unsettling moment came as he tackled the high-speed Swimming Pool section. The seven-time world champion’s car bounced over the kerbs and briefly became airborne after hitting the exit at an awkward angle. Though Hamilton managed to continue without serious damage, the incident was compounded by his frustration over traffic on the circuit, which he blamed for disrupting his lap rhythm.
Elsewhere, Hamilton’s Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc was involved in a separate incident with Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll. The local hero attempted an overtake at the tight hairpin but was blocked when Stroll moved to the racing line, leaving Leclerc with nowhere to go. The resulting contact saw the Ferrari clip the back of the Aston Martin, causing significant damage to the front wing of Leclerc’s car. The collision forced him to limp back to the pits with the left half of his front wing hanging off.
Race officials soon deployed a red flag to clear the debris from the circuit, bringing a temporary halt to the session. While Leclerc’s Ferrari mechanics were quick to replace his front wing and get him back on track, Stroll’s day was effectively over. His Aston Martin sustained damage to the rear suspension and gearbox, ruling him out of the remainder of FP1 as his team began extensive repairs in preparation for the second session (FP2).
Despite the early drama, Leclerc showcased impressive pace upon returning to the circuit. With a new front wing fitted, he surged to the top of the timesheets, completing a strong comeback and putting Ferrari in a promising position ahead of qualifying.
The Monaco Grand Prix, renowned for its narrow streets and unforgiving barriers, has once again proven how quickly fortunes can shift. Hamilton’s airborne moment highlighted the risks drivers face around the tight corners, while Leclerc’s incident served as a reminder of the challenges of overtaking on the principality’s tight layout.
With the drama of FP1 setting the tone, teams will be working tirelessly to ensure their cars are in top condition for the remaining sessions. Fans can expect more excitement as the weekend unfolds, especially with local favorite Leclerc looking fast and determined to shine in front of his home crowd.
