Overview
- Lando Norris leads the standings and topped Friday practice by 0.008 seconds over Max Verstappen as qualifying later today sets the grid for Sunday's decider.
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown said the team will instruct position changes if the race picture makes one driver the clear title contender, and he expects Oscar Piastri to comply.
- Independent models strongly favor Norris for the crown, with one analysis putting him at 82.7% by finishing permutations and an AI simulation at 64.9%, ahead of Verstappen and long-shot Piastri.
- Paddock expectations point to the contenders starting near the front, with analysts highlighting the race start as a prime overtaking opportunity that could shape the outcome.
- Off track, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were fined €25,000 each, with €15,000 suspended, for missing a mandatory fan forum; viewers in key markets will need Sky or WOW streaming to watch live.