Overview

• Lando Norris topped both Friday sessions, with a 1:09.890 in FP2, as Oscar Piastri backed up McLaren’s speed by ending the day third behind Fernando Alonso.
• Aston Martin showed as the nearest threat early, but Lance Stroll crashed heavily in FP2 after an FP1 P3; Alonso’s P2 in FP2 underscored the team’s promise.
• Max Verstappen managed only P6 in FP1 and P5 in FP2 and slid into the Turn 1 gravel after session end in FP1, unable to drive back to the pits.
• Ferrari struggled for pace, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton only P14 and P15 in FP1 and multiple spins highlighting balance issues.
• Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli triggered an early FP1 red flag by beaching his car in the gravel, with the team reporting no damage as variable wind, sand and a rain threat kept conditions tricky; faster pit-lane speeds this year shorten stop loss by about three seconds, which could influence strategy.