Hamilton on top but Verstappen stars

Lewis Hamilton topped practice one at the Monaco Grand Prix, but he finished only marginally ahead of Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen.

Hamilton set an impressive 1:18.750, but he was just 0.149s faster than Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo was third for Red Bull ahead of Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari.

Monaco is notorious for nullifying engine power, and driver ability often shines through more than at any other circuit.

Verstappen’s team-mate, Carlos Sainz, finished fifth showing that Toro Rosso are clearly competitive this weekend, while Red Bull will be encouraged with Daniil Kvyat’s seventh.

Hamilton’s championship rival, Nico Rosberg, finished over a second off the pace in ninth and struggled on the slippery track as he brushed the tyre barriers at Tabac.

Rosberg wasn’t alone as several other drivers got caught out on the green surface, especially down the start/finish line towards Sainte Devote.

The times are not a true representation of form however, as all teams ran different set-ups in preparation for qualifying and the race.

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