The opening day of practice for the [Grand Prix Name] saw Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emerge as the pacesetter, while McLaren’s struggles raised eyebrows ahead of a critical qualifying session.
Leclerc Shines for Ferrari in FP2
Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap in FP2, showcasing Ferrari’s upgraded SF-24 as a potential pole contender. Teammate Carlos Sainz reinforced the team’s strong form, finishing in the top three.
“The car felt balanced, but we need to stay focused,” Leclerc said. “It’s only Friday—qualifying is where it matters.”
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen trailed in P2, battling rear instability, while Sergio Pérez struggled further back. Ferrari’s pace suggests a tight battle could unfold.
McLaren’s Frustrating Day
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to crack the top five, with Norris citing grip issues in high-speed corners.
“We’re missing something compared to last race,” Norris admitted. Piastri added that tire overheating disrupted his runs, leaving McLaren with urgent setup work overnight.
Midfield Teams Show Promise
- Mercedes: Russell and Hamilton hovered in the top six, needing gains to challenge Ferrari.
- Aston Martin: Alonso impressed with a top-five lap, while Stroll lagged behind.
- Alpine: Gasly and Ocon showed progress, hinting at improved form.
Key Questions for Qualifying
- Can Leclerc convert practice speed into pole?
- Will McLaren recover in time?
- Does Verstappen have an answer for Ferrari’s pace?
Follow live updates as the [Grand Prix Name] weekend unfolds!
