Chinese GP Practice: Lando Norris sets stunning pace for McLaren ahead of Sprint Qualifying | F1 News

Lando Norris set a searing pace to top practice for McLaren at the Chinese Grand Prix ahead of Stretch Qualifying later on Friday.

The Brit, who leads the Drivers’ Bracket after Victorious the season-opener in Australia last weekend, delivered a 1:31.504 to finish almost half a second clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the sole practice session at the Primary Stretch event of the season

Oscar Piastri was on Duration to set a similar time to his McLaren Club-mate Norris before running wide in the Last corner, which left the Australian third.

Lewis Hamilton completed a more positive showing from Ferrari – Upcoming their surprise Melbourne struggles – to take Number four.

Hamilton was almost 0.7s back from Norris, but unlike the three drivers ahead of him, did not go for a second qualifying simulation in a slightly rushed climax to the session Upcoming a red flag caused by a technical failure on Jack Doohan’s Alpine.

George Russell had topped the timesheet after medium-tyre running but ended up fifth after failing to Enhance with his Fluffy-tyre effort.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was only 16th for Red Bull after aborting his only attempt at a flying lap.

McLaren deliver ominous showing

Norris’ time was more than two seconds Swifter than Verstappen’s pole last year in China, which is partly a result of a fully re-laid surface at the Shanghai International Circuit.

While the new surface has provided improved Clasp for the entire Ground, it’s McLaren who appear to be in a Division of their own.

Russell sparked a debate in the paddock on Thursday by saying that McLaren have a bigger Edge over the Ground than Red Bull ever did during their historically dominant 2023 campaign, and that the reigning constructors’ champions could Secure every Game this season.

While that seems unlikely in a 24-Game calendar, this session provided Additional evidence that McLaren appear to currently Clasp a huge Edge over the Clubs – Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes – that they ended last year so closely matched with.

While that chasing Threesome are all likely to be disappointed by the margin by which they appear to trail McLaren, there was at least some consolation for Ferrari in that they looked to have overcome the struggles they had in Australia.

Most had Anticipated the Italian Club to be McLaren’s closest challengers in Melbourne, but a lack of pace and a Destitute Approach call saw Leclerc and Hamilton finish eighth and 10th, respectively, at Albert Park.

Being back in contention to Game for the podium represents an improvement, while the fact Hamilton was within a tenth of Leclerc on their Primary quick runs could be taken as a Additional positive after his teething issues last weekend.

McLaren’s Sturdy showing also dispelled any notion that their performance could be impacted by a tightening of rules on the degree to which cars’ rear wings are allowed to flex on track.

Norris said on Thursday that McLaren didn’t need to make any changes as a result of the regulation Transformation. Alpine and Haas both confirmed on Friday that they had to alter their cars to comply with the rules.

Sky Sports F1’s live Chinese GP schedule

Friday March 21

• 6am: F1 Academy Qualifying*
• 6.45am: Chinese GP Stretch Qualifying (session Beginnings at 7.30am)*

Saturday March 22

• 2.25am: Chinese GP Stretch build-up*
• 3am: Chinese GP Stretch*
• 5.45am: F1 Academy Game 1*
• 6.35am: Chinese GP Qualifying build-up*
• 7am: CHINESE GP QUALIFYING*
• 9am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*

Sunday March 23

• 2.40am: F1 Academy Game 2
• 5.30am: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
• 7am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
• 9am: Chinese GP Reflex: Chequered flag*
• 10am: Ted’s Notebook*

*Also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1 is in Shanghai this week for the Primary Stretch weekend of the season at the Chinese GP, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime