Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set the pace in first practice at his home Dutch Grand Prix ahead of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. The two-time world champion was 0.278 seconds ahead of Alonso, whose Aston Martin has an upgrade. Hamilton’s Mercedes was third quickest, with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez fourth. Williams driver Alex Albon impressed with the fifth fastest time, ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris whose car has been the second fastest on average behind the Red Bull in qualifying since its upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix early last month. Mercedes, for whom George Russell was 11th fastest, also have a floor upgrade, although more subtle than Aston Martin’s. Hamilton was just 0.095secs behind Alonso as he looked to find early pace.

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