Lando Norris topped the opening practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix, signaling a strong return for McLaren after Formula 1's summer break. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, secured second place.
Why it matters:
This session at Zandvoort, held in cool and blustery conditions, marked the first competitive laps post-summer break. McLaren's dominant 1-2 finish in FP1 suggests the team is maintaining its strong form and could be a significant contender this weekend.
The details:
- Norris's Pace: Lando Norris set the fastest lap of 1:10.278, almost three-tenths quicker than Piastri.
- Piastri's Performance: Oscar Piastri, initially setting the pace, secured P2 with a 1:10.570.
- Stroll's Surprise: Lance Stroll, on a late soft-tyre run, climbed to third, just half a second behind Norris. His Aston Martin teammate Fernando Alonso took P4.
- Verstappen's Session: Home hero Max Verstappen finished P6, nearly a second off the pace. He also had a notable off-track moment into Turn 1 after the checkered flag during a practice start.
- Session Disruptions:
- Red Flags: An early red flag was triggered by Yuki Tsunoda spinning at Turn 11, immediately followed by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli locking up and entering the gravel trap at Turn 9.
- Yellow Flags: Carlos Sainz mirrored Tsunoda's spin at Turn 11 later in the session.
- Top 10 Standings:
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Alex Albon (Williams)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
What's next:
Teams will now analyze the data from this session to optimize their setups for the cooler conditions. McLaren's early pace sets a high bar, and all eyes will be on how rivals, especially Red Bull and Max Verstappen, respond in the upcoming sessions.