by A.P.
Max Verstappen led a Red Bull one-two in an unrepresentative first practice session at the Turkish Grand Prix on a low-grip track.
Verstappen’s team-mate Alexander Albon was second, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly’s Alpha Tauri.
The Istanbul Park circuit, holding its first race since 2011, was resurfaced two weeks ago and drivers were more than 10 seconds off the pace expected.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was 15th and team-mate Valtteri Bottas ninth.
Briton Hamilton will be champion as long as he does not lose more than seven points to Bottas.
With Mercedes expected to lead the way, that effectively means the 35-year-old will clinch the title if he wins the race, or if he finishes second to Bottas as long as the Finn does not also set fastest lap.
