Lando Norris leads the way in Spanish Grand Prix first practice session

 

Lando Norris led the first practice session for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, posting a fastest lap of 1 minute 13.718 seconds. The McLaren driver outpaced Red Bulls Max Verstappen by 0.367 seconds, with Ferraris Lewis Hamilton close behind in third, 0.378 seconds off Norris pace. Ferraris Charles Leclerc and McLarens Oscar Piastri completed the top five, showcasing competitive early pace. The session marked the debut of new front wing regulations designed to limit flexibility, a change aimed at leveling the playing field. McLaren appeared well adapted, building on Norris recent victory in Monaco.

The practice session unfolded under clear conditions, allowing teams to gather crucial data on car setups and tire performance. Norris set his benchmark time on soft tires, demonstrating McLarens strength in single lap pace. Verstappen, despite trailing, showed consistent long run pace, suggesting Red Bull remains a threat for race day. Hamiltons third place highlighted Ferraris potential, though Leclercs fourth place lap was slightly compromised by traffic. Piastri, in fifth, reinforced McLarens form, with both cars appearing well balanced.

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Further down the order, Mercedes George Russell and Red Bulls Sergio Perez faced challenges, finishing outside the top five. The midfield battle was tight, with Alpine and Aston Martin showing flashes of pace but struggling for consistency. The new regulations appeared to influence car behavior, with some teams adapting better than others. As teams analyze data from FP1, attention turns to FP2 and qualifying, where fine tuning will be critical. Norris early lead sets the tone for a competitive weekend, with McLaren aiming to maintain their edge in a tightly contested field. Fans can expect an intense battle as the championship fight heats up in Spain.