Overview

• Lando Norris topped both Friday sessions and led FP3, with Oscar Piastri close behind and Max Verstappen third in final practice.
• Lewis Hamilton reported improved balance, rising to fourth in FP3 after sixth in FP2 as Mercedes continued setup work.
• Ferrari stayed a step behind despite minor gains, with Frédéric Vasseur saying most of the gap comes at Turns 9–10 as Loïc Serra steers a 2026 suspension‑focused redesign.
• FP2 was interrupted by red flags after crashes for Lance Stroll at Turn 3 and Alex Albon at Turn 1, and a Virtual Safety Car for Isack Hadjar’s stoppage.
• Oscar Piastri’s late pit‑lane direction change that forced George Russell to brake is under review by race control, and rain threats could shape qualifying and the race.