Former world champion Sebastian Vettel finished the first Formula 1 practice session in eleventh place after announcing his retirement. The 35-year-old Aston Martin driver was 1.633 seconds off the leader in Hungary's capital, Budapest, just missing out on the top ten.
Vettel announced on Thursday that after more than a decade and a half in the premier motorsport class, he would end his career after the season. Vettel is expected to complete ten more races in Formula 1, the first being the Hungarian Grand Prix this Sunday (3 p.m. / Sky).
The fastest time at the Hungaroring was set by Carlos Sainz in a Ferrari. In 1:18.750 minutes, the Spaniard landed 0.130 seconds ahead of world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull. Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari took third place in hot temperatures of up to 33 degrees. Mick Schumacher drove his Haas racing car in 18th place.
Before the 13th of 22 rounds of the season, Verstappen is well ahead of Leclerc in the overall standings with 63 points. Vettel, in 14th place, is just three points ahead of Mick Schumacher, who will be able to pass the four-time champion for the first time in the upcoming race.
