Spanish GP Practice One: Lando Norris Tops Timesheets, Hamilton Third as Flexi Wing Rules Take Effect

McLaren`s performance in the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix suggested they were unaffected by the new clampdown on flexible front wings, with Lando Norris setting the fastest time ahead of Max Verstappen.

Following his momentous first victory at the Monaco GP just five days prior, which injected new momentum into his championship aspirations, Norris immediately returned to the top of the time rankings at the sweltering Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. He posted an impressive fastest lap of 1:13.718 on the soft compound tires.

Norris finished the session 0.367 seconds clear of Red Bull`s Max Verstappen and 0.378 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari. Hamilton`s weekend in Barcelona began positively regarding single-lap pace.

The rest of the field trailed by over half a second. This included Norris` championship-leading teammate, Oscar Piastri, who was fifth, positioned behind Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari.

“The big question, has that Monaco win given Lando that necessary boost of confidence that he has found his mojo again and is back to his best?” asked 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, speaking on Sky Sports F1. “It looked like it out there, he was absolutely confident and flying.”

Max Verstappen spent roughly 20 minutes in the pit garage during the second half of the session, as Red Bull appeared to be making adjustments to the rear of his car.

Focus on F1`s New Front Wing Rules in Spain

This practice session was the first since the previously announced implementation of stricter load tests for front wings, starting this race weekend. The sport`s governing body introduced this change to curb the practice of `flexing` bodywork elements for aerodynamic advantage.

As a consequence of the new regulations, most teams introduced updated front wings during the opening practice. McLaren was a notable exception, as they reportedly had already run their Barcelona-compliant wing at an earlier event this season.

Some rival teams had previously highlighted McLaren`s car as one that potentially benefited significantly from wing flexibility. However, McLaren has consistently stated that these rule changes would not negatively impact their performance in a major way.

Norris` immediate pace, topping the timesheets on both hard and then soft tires, lends further credibility to McLaren`s position on the matter.

Mercedes was another front-running team that did not fit a new front wing for this session. However, they did bring updates to the W16`s floor and rear wing as they strive to improve performance following two challenging races.

George Russell was the quicker Mercedes driver, placing 11th. His fastest time was set on the slower medium compound tires, in contrast to the softs used by the leading group.

Kimi Antonelli, also using medium tires, finished 18th in the second Mercedes. Racing Bulls had a strong showing with both cars in the top 10: Liam Lawson was sixth and Isack Hadjar eighth.

Oliver Bearman finished eighth for Haas. The team ran Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa in their other car for the opening session, substituting for Esteban Ocon. Formula 1 regulations mandate teams provide track time to inexperienced drivers in four practice sessions over the season.

Hirakawa was involved in the session`s only significant incident when he went off into the gravel at Turn 10 early on. He completed the session in 17th place.

Victor Martins, stepping in for Alex Albon, was 19th fastest for Williams.

*(A video discussed Bernie Collins and Anthony Davidson explaining the new flexi-wing rules.)*

*(Another video featured drivers discussing the potential impact of the flexi-wing clampdown.)*

Spanish GP Practice One Timesheet