McLaren`s performance showed no negative effects from the new flexible front wing regulations during Spanish Grand Prix Practice One, where Lando Norris finished ahead of Max Verstappen.
Fresh off his victory at the Monaco GP, Norris quickly set the fastest lap time of 1:13.718 on soft tires at the hot Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, reigniting his championship aspirations.
Norris was 0.367 seconds faster than Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and 0.378 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), indicating a positive start for Hamilton on single-lap performance.
Other drivers were more than half a second slower, including Norris` teammate Oscar Piastri, who placed fifth, just behind Charles Leclerc`s second Ferrari.
2016 world champion Nico Rosberg commented, asking if the Monaco win had restored Norris`s confidence and form. He added, “It looked like it out there, he was absolutely confident and flying.”
Max Verstappen spent about 20 minutes in the garage during the latter part of the session as Red Bull appeared to make adjustments to the rear of his car.
Focus on F1`s New Front Wing Rules in Spain
This session marked the first time the stricter load tests for front wings, designed to prevent flexible bodywork, were enforced by the sport`s governing body.
Most teams introduced new front wings complying with the rules, but McLaren notably did not, having reportedly used their updated wing previously. McLaren`s car has been suggested by competitors to benefit from flexible wings, but the team maintains the rule changes won`t significantly affect them. Norris`s strong performance in practice supports McLaren`s stance. Mercedes also did not use a new front wing but made modifications to their W16`s floor and rear wing, aiming for better performance after recent struggles.
George Russell was the faster Mercedes driver in 11th, setting his time on medium tires. Kimi Antonelli, also on mediums, was 18th in the other Mercedes. Racing Bulls showed strong form with Liam Lawson (6th) and Isack Hadjar (8th) both in the top 10. Oliver Bearman placed seventh for Haas; their other car was driven by reserve Ryo Hirakawa (17th), who had a minor off-track moment. Teams must field inexperienced drivers in four practice sessions per season. Victor Martins substituted for Alex Albon at Williams, finishing 19th.
Spanish GP Practice One Timesheet
| Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:13.718 |
| 2) Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.367 |
| 3) Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +0.378 |
| 4) Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +0.520 |
| 5) Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +0.576 |
| 6) Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | +0.621 |
| 7) Oliver Bearman | Haas | +0.879 |
| 8) Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | +0.887 |
| 9) Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull | +0.925 |
| 10) Pierre Gasly | Alpine | +1.028 |
| 11) George Russell | Mercedes | +1.033 |
| 12) Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | +1.068 |
| 13) Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | +1.080 |
| 14) Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber | +1.147 |
| 15) Carlos Sainz | Williams | +1.217 |
| 16) Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | +1.437 |
| 17) Ryo HIrakawa | Haas | +1.580 |
| 18) Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +1.651 |
| 19) Victor Martins | Williams | +1.804 |
| 20) Franco Colapinto | Alpine | +1.812 |
Marcus Prine