Lando Norris Leads McLaren Dominance in British GP Practice

Lando Norris led a McLaren one-two in Friday’s practice for the British Grand Prix with Oscar Piastri close behind, but acknowledged he needed to improve before qualifying. Max Verstappen, usually quick, was seventh fastest for Red Bull but data analysis suggested his pace was typical. Sergio Perez of Red Bull was third, followed by Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes). Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), and George Russell (Mercedes) completed the top ten.

Norris commented on his progress, noting adjustments that improved his car’s setup on a tricky track. He felt competitive but recognized Mercedes had similar speed despite not pushing their engine to the limit in the final runs. Rain interrupted the session’s end, with more expected through the weekend. Verstappen, using an upgraded car floor, struggled on soft tires but found better performance on mediums. He and Lando Norris seem poised for another close battle, with race simulations suggesting a tight contest.

Verstappen faced challenges, including an off-track moment, while Leclerc wrestled with instability in high-speed corners early on. In contrasting programs, Russell topped the morning session ahead of Hamilton, Piastri, and Verstappen. Russell, reflecting on the day, noted the car felt strong initially but encountered issues later, possibly due to wind affecting tire management. Overall, competitiveness remained similar to recent races, setting the stage for an intriguing British Grand Prix despite weather uncertainties.