Norris Paces Chaotic FP1 at 2025 United States Grand Prix

Lando Norris topped the first and only free practice session for the 2025 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas, leading a diverse mix of drivers on the timing sheets. The session saw an early red flag for debris from Lance Stroll's off-track excursion before McLaren's Norris set the pace in a tight field.

Why it matters:

• The United States Grand Prix marks the fourth Sprint race weekend of the 2025 F1 season, making FP1 the sole practice opportunity for teams to fine-tune their cars before Sprint Qualifying.
• Strong performance in FP1 is crucial for gaining a competitive edge, as there will be no further practice to adjust car setups or strategies ahead of the demanding Sprint format.
• The results provide an early indication of which teams and drivers have adapted best to the COTA track conditions and updated car packages.

The Details:

• Circuit of The Americas (COTA): The session took place on the steamy asphalt of COTA in Austin, Texas, known for its challenging elevation changes and technical corners.
• Red Flag Incident: With just over 38 minutes remaining, a red flag temporarily halted the session due to debris at Turn 19's kerb, caused by Lance Stroll's off-track excursion.
• Top Performers: Lando Norris (McLaren) led the session with a 1:33.294 lap time.
  • He was closely followed by Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren), highlighting a competitive midfield.
  • Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) also featured in the top five, showcasing the varied pace across the grid.
• Notable Absences/Replacements: The presence of reserve and junior drivers like Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Franco Colapinto (Alpine), and Carlos Sainz (Williams) indicates teams using FP1 for talent evaluation and mandated rookie running.

What's next:

With FP1 concluded, teams will immediately shift their focus to Sprint Qualifying, where the grid for Saturday's Sprint race will be determined. The limited practice time means that the data gathered from this session will be vital for setting up cars for the remainder of the weekend. The Sprint race on Saturday will offer championship points, followed by the main Grand Prix on Sunday.