Overview

• FIA’s new front-wing test cuts allowable flex to 10 mm from 15 mm, threatening McLaren’s aerodynamic edge
• McLaren led both Friday sessions but held only slim single-lap advantages and struggled on tyre-wear simulations
• Max Verstappen posted the fastest 15-lap stint on aged softs, outpacing Lando Norris by 0.1 s per lap and Oscar Piastri by over a second
• Norris and Piastri admitted setup shortcomings and will pursue overnight adjustments to recover straight-line speed for qualifying
• Ferrari and Mercedes closed in during practice, though Leclerc’s and Hamilton’s mistakes and Russell’s tyre degradation limited their top-four bids