Norris Leads Red-Flagged US Grand Prix Practice in Austin

Lando Norris delivered a scorching performance, topping the lone practice session for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, which was notably interrupted by a red flag. His time of 1:33.294 on soft tires positioned McLaren as a strong contender heading into the weekend.

Why it matters:

With only one practice session before Sprint Qualifying, teams had limited time to fine-tune their setups. Norris's dominant pace indicates McLaren's strong form, potentially setting the stage for a competitive fight at the Circuit of the Americas, especially against the backdrop of Mercedes and Ferrari facing early setbacks.

The details:

• Norris's Pace: Lando Norris set the benchmark with a 1:33.294 on soft tires late in the session, demonstrating McLaren's strong package.
• Close Competition: Nico Hulkenberg surprised by climbing to second, just 0.255s behind Norris, showcasing Haas's potential. Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen also showed competitive pace.
• McLaren's Performance: Oscar Piastri, Norris's teammate, finished fifth, 0.279s adrift, indicating a strong overall showing for McLaren.
• Mercedes' Strategy: Lewis Hamilton (8th) and George Russell (7th) did not set their fastest times on the softest tires, suggesting they held back or prioritized different setup work.
• Ferrari's Struggles: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz encountered significant gearbox issues, severely limiting their soft tire running. This puts them at a disadvantage going into Sprint qualifying, as they couldn't gather crucial data.

The big picture:

The compressed weekend format, with only one practice session, amplified the importance of quick adaptation and a clean run. McLaren's immediate pace suggests they have a well-balanced car for COTA. In contrast, Ferrari's mechanical woes could seriously compromise their weekend, while Mercedes' conservative approach leaves their true pace a mystery for now. The unpredictability of COTA, combined with a single practice, makes for an exciting, albeit challenging, start to the US Grand Prix weekend.

What's next:

The teams will now head directly into Sprint Qualifying, where Ferrari will be under immense pressure to resolve their gearbox issues and make up for lost time. McLaren and Norris will aim to convert their practice pace into a strong starting position for the Sprint Race, while Red Bull and Mercedes will look to reveal their full potential when it truly counts.