Verstappen, Russell Lead Chaotic Canadian GP Practice, Leclerc Crashes

Max Verstappen led the first practice session at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, posting the fastest lap at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and narrowly edging out Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc suffered a significant crash early in the session, damaging his car and hindering his weekend preparations, while admitting fault for the mistake. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes also showed strong pace, with Hamilton stepping up amid the difficulties faced by Ferrari. McLaren's Oscar Piastri struggled throughout practice, finishing well down the order despite leading the championship. The session was marked by multiple spins and incidents as drivers coped with the low-grip track conditions, and Williams emerged as an unexpected contender, suggesting a highly competitive race weekend ahead. Verstappen, just one penalty point away from a race ban, set an early marker in his pursuit of a fourth consecutive Canadian GP victory.