Lando Norris set the pace in the opening practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix, leading McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to a strong 1-2 showing at Zandvoort. The session was marked by cool, windy conditions and multiple incidents.
Why it matters: McLaren's impressive speed, particularly on soft tyres, signals a strong return from the summer break and a potential challenge to Red Bull. This performance puts them firmly in contention for pole position.
The big picture:
- Chaotic Start: The one-hour session saw immediate action and several interruptions. Yuki Tsunoda spun, Andrea Kimi Antonelli beached his Mercedes in the gravel, triggering a red flag, and Carlos Sainz later slid off track.
- McLaren Dominance: Despite the disruptions, Norris posted a blistering 1m10.278s on soft Pirelli tyres, with Piastri just 0.292s behind. Their pace went unmatched by other front-runners.
- Verstappen's Struggles: Home hero Max Verstappen couldn't match McLaren's speed, finishing fifth. His session ended dramatically as he slid into the gravel after a practice start post-chequered flag.
- Surprising Pace: Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso secured third, with Lance Stroll fourth. Williams' Alex Albon also showed promising form, rounding out the top five.
- Quiet Sessions: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes languished in 14th and 15th, nearly two seconds off the pace, indicating a subdued start for both teams.
What's next: Teams will analyze the data from this messy session, with McLaren looking to convert their strong FP1 pace into a competitive qualifying performance. Red Bull and Ferrari will be working to close the gap, setting the stage for an intriguing weekend at Zandvoort.