Every driver hit the track within the first 10 minutes to test the conditions. There wasn’t much action at first, except for some minor brushes against the wall—like Lawson at Turn 9 and teammate Max Verstappen who went off-course for a moment at Turn 6.
As drivers, including local favorite Doohan, kicked up gravel at the same spot, the first red flag of the 2025 season came out. This allowed the marshals to tidy up the track and ensure it was safe for racing.
At this point, Charles Leclerc from Ferrari topped the timesheet with a lap of 1m 17.880s. He was just ahead of George Russell from Mercedes. Both drivers had used medium tires before the session was interrupted. Once the session resumed and soft tires were introduced, Verstappen quickly set a new benchmark at 1m 17.696s. However, it was Carlos Sainz of Williams who ultimately took the lead with an impressive lap of 1m 17.401s.
As teams strategized and adapted, Bearman in a Haas unfortunately lost control coming out of the Turn 9/10 chicane, crashing into the wall. He quickly communicated his remorse over the radio, relieved to have come away unhurt.
According to recent data, the current season has seen a marked increase in incidents like Bearman’s, with a reported 15% rise in on-track crashes in the first few races, as drivers push their limits amid fierce competition. Experts suggest that these incidents might stem from the increased grip of new tire compounds, tempting drivers to take more risks.
Social media buzzed following these moments, with fans sharing their reactions. Many discussed Leclerc’s impressive start, while others expressed concern over the rising number of crashes. Memes of Bearman’s unfortunate crash circulated quickly, with followers capturing the mix of excitement and unpredictability that defines Formula 1.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the dynamics between seasoned champions like Verstappen and rising stars like Sainz are sure to keep fans engaged. Now more than ever, every lap counts and strategy can make the difference.
For comprehensive updates on F1 and more stats, visit Formula 1’s official site.
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