Lando Norris tops FP2 at Austrian Grand Prix as McLaren impresses
Lando Norris Sets the Pace in FP2 at Austrian Grand Prix
Lando Norris bounced back from his absence in Friday’s first free practice session to set the pace during FP2 at the Austrian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver clocked an impressive 1:04.580 around the Red Bull Ring, leading a strong showing for the team as Oscar Piastri followed closely, just a tenth and a half behind.
Norris Returns Strong After Canadian GP Incident
This marked Norris's first time back on track following his incident with teammate Piastri during the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks earlier, and the Briton wasted no time making his presence felt. His strong lap confirmed McLaren’s potential for the weekend and left the competition chasing down their times.
Verstappen Trails Behind McLaren Duo
Max Verstappen, the current championship leader, ended the session in third, trailing the two McLarens. While typically dominant, the Dutchman was unable to edge out the dynamic duo, raising intriguing questions ahead of Saturday’s action.
Stroll Shines for Aston Martin
Adding more variety to the leaderboard, Lance Stroll delivered a surprise performance for Aston Martin by taking fourth. The Canadian driver has faced scrutiny during the season but looked solid and consistent through FP2, proving he has the pace to mix it up at the front.
Leclerc and Russell Round Out the Top Six
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell rounded out the top six. Russell, who had topped the standings in FP1 earlier in the day, couldn’t replicate his morning form, though he still secured a competitive position heading into qualifying.
Young Alex Dunne Impresses in FP1
The earlier FP1 session also saw young Alex Dunne making waves. Filling in during Norris's absence, Dunne impressed with his performance, reflecting McLaren's growing depth and development focus.
With McLaren leading the charge and unexpected names finding their way into the upper echelons of the timing sheets, the Austrian Grand Prix weekend is already shaping up to be an unpredictable and exciting affair. Fans will eagerly await qualifying and the Sprint race to see if Norris and Piastri can keep their momentum or if Verstappen will reassert his dominance.
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