Max Verstappen and Lando Norris set the track on fire with a dead-heat finish in Friday’s practice, igniting the excitement for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. While the two drivers matched each other with an impressive 1:13.070s lap time, it was Oscar Piastri who stole the show, dominating the sessions and holding a significant advantage over his competitors.
Red Bull’s Verstappen and McLaren’s Norris showcased their prowess by finishing with identical lap times, but it was Piastri who emerged as the frontrunner, leaving both Verstappen and Norris trailing by 0.310s and proving his mettle on the track with a leading time of 1:12.760s.
Despite the thrilling battle at the top, Mercedes’ George Russell also made his presence felt by outpacing Verstappen by a mere 0.024s, hinting at a potential challenge to the frontrunners. Verstappen, who has faced challenges in previous Fridays, seemed content with his performance, indicating a promising weekend ahead.
As the temperatures soared during FP2, reaching 30 degrees Celsius in the air and 45 degrees on the track, the drivers faced grueling conditions that tested the limits of their tires. Norris initially set the benchmark with a 1:13.718s on medium tires before Russell took charge and topped the timesheets with a blistering 1:13.501s on soft tires.
Verstappen and Piastri also showcased their skills, with Verstappen closing in on Russell’s time and Piastri eventually securing an unbeatable lap time, setting the stage for an electrifying race weekend. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc made significant progress, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton struggled, describing his car as “not driveable.”
The intense competition was further highlighted by the top 14 drivers being separated by less than a second, promising a fierce battle for pole position. With surprises and upsets unfolding throughout the practice sessions, the stage is set for an adrenaline-fueled Spanish Grand Prix that is bound to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the drivers fine-tune their strategies and prepare for the showdown on the Circuit de Catalunya, the stakes are higher than ever, setting the scene for a thrilling weekend of Formula 1 action.