The lack of grip on the green track was evident as practice got underway, and many drivers found themselves spinning and struggling to keep their cars pointing in the right direction. Carlos Sainz had more of a problem, when his Toro Rosso stopped out on track, gently smoking. Fernando Alonso also stopped, his McLaren pulling to a halt at the hairpin.

Lewis Hamilton narrowly missed a groundhog, but went on to finish top of the timesheets, ahead of the Ferraris. Both Vettel and Räikkönen spun at various points, but continued onwards to finish the morning unscathed.