Lando Norris has recorded the fastest time by far in the first free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix on Friday. The British McLaren driver clocked 1:13.718, more than three tenths faster than number two Max Verstappen.
The Grand Prix weekend in Spain is marked by new regulations regarding the front wings. These are allowed to move much less while driving than in previous races, which means that all teams have had to develop new front wings.
It was assumed that McLaren would suffer the most from the tightened rules for the ‘flexiwings’, but there was little sign of this in the first practice. Norris, winner of the Monaco Grand Prix just a week ago, accelerated once and immediately clocked a lightning-fast time that was no longer improved.
Verstappen indicated after his fastest lap that it was essentially flawless and that he therefore did not feel it necessary to make another attempt to improve his time. The Dutchman complained earlier in the training that his car had no grip in slow corners.
Behind Norris and Verstappen, Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton (+0.378) and Charles Leclerc (+0.520) finished third and fourth. Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri finished more than half a second behind in fifth.
The first free practice of the weekend went without incident and in tropical conditions. It was over 30 degrees on Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The second free practice is scheduled for later today (at 5:00 PM).