Berlin, 14 June 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Four-time defending champion Max Verstappen was fastest in the first practice on Friday for the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver clocked 1 minute 13.193 seconds to beat the Williams of Alex Albon by 0.039s.

Albon was a surprise in second and his team-mate Carlos Sainz completed the top three, giving Williams the best possible start to the race weekend.

Constructors' title holders McLaren, meanwhile, didn't show their full hand with Lando Norris in seventh and championship leader Oscar Piastri in 14th.

Ferrari had Lewis Hamilton in fifth, while Charles Leclerc was 10th after having his time on track cut short due to a crash.

The Monegasque spun and hit the barriers, bringing out the red flag 15 minutes into practice and causing a lot of damage to his car.

Verstappen needs to be on his best behaviour for the next two races after he was hit with three penalty points on his license at the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1, which leaves him just one point away from a race ban.

Two of his penalty points will expire on June 30, moving him three points away from a race ban in time for the British Grand Prix on July 6.

The Dutchman was punished for causing a collision with George Russell and he was also handed a 10-second penalty in the race.

Piastri tops the drivers' championship standings 10 points ahead of Norris.

Second practice is later on Friday and qualifying for Sunday's showdown is on Saturday.

Photo: epa