The first practice session for the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen setting the pace with a lap time of 1:13.193 on a bright Friday afternoon. Verstappen, who is chasing an unprecedented fourth successive victory in Canada, demonstrated his dominance early on.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari wasn't as fortunate, as he crashed into the barriers at the second chicane with 45 minutes remaining in the session. The incident caused extensive damage to his car, which couldn't be repaired in time for the second practice. Despite the crash, Leclerc managed to finish 10th fastest.

Williams' Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz followed closely, securing the second and third positions respectively. Albon was just 0.039 seconds slower than Verstappen, while Sainz trailed by 0.082 seconds. All three drivers utilized the soft tyres for their fastest laps.

Mercedes' George Russell, who started on pole position in Canada last year, finished fourth fastest, with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar rounding out the top six.

McLaren, the current championship leaders, had a comparatively slow start to the weekend. Lando Norris finished seventh, while his teammate Oscar Piastri ended up 14th and was fined €100 for speeding in the pitlane. The team tested several upgrades, including a new front wing.

Canadian driver Lance Stroll returned to action after missing the Spanish Grand Prix due to hand and wrist pain. Competing in front of his home crowd, Stroll finished 15th for Aston Martin.