Overview

• Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest time in Friday's practice sessions for Ferrari, with McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris close behind.
• Defending champion Max Verstappen struggled with grip issues, finishing seventh in the second session and expressing concerns about Red Bull's performance.
• Haas rookie Oliver Bearman crashed during the first session, causing significant damage to his car and missing the second session, though he was uninjured.
• Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, placed fifth in the second session, with team principal Frederic Vasseur expressing confidence in his future performance.
• Surprises included strong showings from Williams' Carlos Sainz in the first session and Racing Bulls' Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar in the second session.