FP1 - Hamilton sets the pace ahead of Rosberg

Lewis Hamilton lead the way during Friday morning’s practice almost half a second (0.415s) quicker than team-mate Nico Rosberg, with Lotus’s Romain Grosjean third.

The first 90 minutes of running at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve saw three-time winner Hamilton run into a bit of trouble as he spun into the hairpin. And he wasn’t the only one on a slippery track, Valtteri Bottas and Carlos Sainz also had a difficult time - with Sainz not being able to finish the session.

Also in trouble was McLaren’s Jenson Button with gearbox issues early on, and stuck at the garage for a full 45 minutes. He then went on to place a personal best of 1m 18.7s to finish P15. Team-mate Fernando Alonso did enjoy a nice session and finished ninth.

With a weather prediction of rain for this Friday, the climate stayed put at a 20% chance of rain, and even showed improving conditions during the session. It allowed teams to make progress such as set up the ride height, and others like Ferrari to test upgrades (new engine for the prancing horse).

The top ten in the first practice:
1. Lewis Hamilton — 1:16.212
2. Nico Rosberg — +0.415s
3. Romain Grosjean — +1.509s
4. Nico Hulkenberg— +1.659s
5. Sebastian Vettel — +1.693s
6. Felipe Massa— +1.773s
7. Daniil Kvyat — +1.809s
8. Pastor Maldonado — +1.814s
9. Fernando Alonso — +1.916s
10. Max Verstappen — +2.045s