The Spanish Grand Prix weekend kicked off with a fiercely contested first free practice session, where McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed the top spot, just 0.024 seconds faster than Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, amid rumors of his move to Williams, demonstrated his prowess by finishing third, a mere 344 hundredths behind Norris, and without utilizing the soft tire. The session was not without its issues, as several drivers, including Charles Leclerc, voiced complaints over the radio about car balance, and Fernando Alonso caused a brief red flag pause after a piece of his front wing detached on the track. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton showed a resurgence of form, setting the fastest time in the second free practice session, signaling potential competitiveness for the upcoming qualifying and race. Ferrari’s Leclerc continued to struggle, seeking numerous car setup changes, while Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez grappled with their car’s feel on the Montmelò circuit. The weekend proceedings hint at a tightly contested Spanish Grand Prix, with four teams vying closely at the top and only 0.683 seconds separating Norris from Hamilton in the initial practice. The paddock also buzzed with the news of Alpine’s appointment of Flavio Briatore as a consultant, adding a legendary figure to their ranks. As the teams and drivers prepare for the qualifying session, the stage is set for a weekend of high-octane racing and strategic battles both on and off the track.
Key points
- McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the first free practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by 0.
- Lewis Hamilton sets the fastest time in the second free practice session, indicating Mercedes’ potential improvement.
- Carlos Sainz shows strong performance amid rumors of his future with Ferrari, finishing third in FP1.
- Technical issues and car balance complaints emerge during practice sessions, with Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen facing challenges.
024 seconds.
