F1 Spanish GP: Norris tops FP1 to continue McLaren's advantage ahead of Verstappen

F1 Spanish Grand Prix: FP1 Summary

Lando Norris of McLaren topped the opening practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, clocking a time of 1:13.718. His performance placed him ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who completed the top three in Barcelona.

The session, conducted in high temperatures, served as a crucial testing ground for numerous upgrades across the grid, coinciding with the implementation of new FIA regulations concerning front wing stiffness. Most teams chose to begin with the Pirelli C1 hardest tire to validate their new components against existing data.

In a notable technical move, teams also trialed steel skid blocks, which weigh approximately 750 grams more and show increased wear, in response to concerns about grass fires linked to titanium skid sparks during the previous race in Japan. Each team fielded one car fitted with these modifications.

The initial phase saw Fernando Alonso lead, but as the session progressed, Norris and Verstappen gained momentum. Ultimately, Norris’ time surpassed Verstappen by over three-tenths, while Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the top four positions.

Other noteworthy performances included Liam Lawson in sixth, followed by Haas rookie Oliver Bearman and teammate Isack Hadjar. Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull and Pierre Gasly from Alpine completed the top ten without major incidents, apart from a brief gravel excursion from Haas’ Ryo Hirakawa, substituting for Esteban Ocon.