Ominous McLaren flex as Piastri sends statement; ‘horrible’ Mercedes issue — Practice Wrap

Lando Norris edged fellow Briton George Russell by 0.009 seconds to top second practice on Saturday morning (AEST) for the Barcelona-Catalunya Formula One Grand Prix.

Reigning world champion Norris, who sat out the opening session, and his team-mate Oscar Piastri sandwiched the Mercedes driver for the top three, with the Australian coming in 0.057s off the top time.

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Norris, who did not finish the previous two GPs in Canada and Monaco, claimed top spot with a blistering 1:15.426 as McLaren showed their battle with Mercedes this weekend will be one to watch.

“I think (it was) a reasonable Friday. I think still a good amount of things to improve,” said Norris.

“It wasn’t like I felt amazing or happy, but it’s hot so I don’t think anyone will be that happy out there. It’s difficult with the wind and the conditions.” Norris said he was pleased that the car is improving after his recent struggles. “We are up there with the people we want to be,” he added.

“We are just happy we are heading in the right direction from the last couple of weeks.”

- Russell sharp -

Piastri, who came second in the opening practice and triumphed in Barcelona last year, set an early time to beat of 1:15.724, already ahead of the best morning time as McLaren flexed their muscles.

Piastri said McLaren was “in the fight at the front”.

“A much more satisfying position to be in,” he said.

“It was a pretty good Friday for us. We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made, and the pace is a lot better than last week, which is a positive step.

“The key now is to maintain this momentum into tomorrow. While the initial signs are encouraging, there’s still plenty to learn and a lot more performance to find.”

Russell, who was quickest in the opening session on a hot, sunny day in Barcelona, with track temperatures up at 50 degrees centigrade, was soon on his tail, two 10ths of a second behind.

The 28-year-old is competing in his 100th Grand Prix for the Silver Arrows and two strong practice sessions are encouraging after his troubled start to the season.

Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson pulled up in the pit exit lane after losing power because of a suspected gearbox issue, with the virtual safety car deployed.

Several teams used that time to bolt on the soft tyres, including Mercedes, and midway through the session Russell zipped into the lead by 0.289 seconds, with Antonelli half a second behind.

However, Norris was quickest in the end, suggesting Antonelli and Russell have a fight on their hands at Montmelo.

“Brake pedal feels horrible,” Antonelli told his pit wall, while his front left tyre was also worn down.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who was ninth quickest, also noted how degraded the tyres were, which could be a big factor this weekend in the heat.

“The tyres are overheating quite a lot. We’re just trying to find the best balance,” said Antonelli.

“I think overall there’s still quite a bit of work to do, but I’m quite confident ahead of tomorrow.”

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was sixth, while Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad and Gabriel Bortoleto in an Audi came in seventh and eighth respectively.

Isack Hadjar was 10th and unimpressed with Sergio Perez, who forced him into the grass to avoid contact, resulting in a warning for the Mexican.

In the opening session, several regulars gave up their seats for rookies, with Leo Fornaroli and Paul Aron impressing.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was boosted by the news that his third place finish in Monaco had been reinstated but struggled in 17th on the timesheet in the morning, only improving to 16th later on.

Home favourite and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who said he is probably racing in Barcelona for the last time, was 21st in his Aston Martin in the afternoon.