Lando Norris Sets the Pace in the Practice for the Dutch Grand Prix
Lando Norris surpassed his teammate Oscar Piastri in the first practice of the Dutch Grand Prix, setting the pace from the start of the session. The session, full of unexpected incidents, saw Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen experience setbacks. Norris, who reduced Piastri’s championship lead to nine points before the Formula 1 summer break four weeks ago, was 0.292 seconds faster than the Australian in a surprisingly hectic opening session at Zandvoort. Mercedes’ young driver Antonelli suffered an early incident, while four-time world champion Verstappen ended up in the gravel after the checkered flag with his Red Bull. Yuki Tsunoda also had problems, going off track before the session was stopped with a red flag. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faced a complicated start in his attempt to enjoy his career with Ferrari.
Alex Albon achieved fifth place for Williams, but was almost nine tenths off the pace, while George Russell finished seventh, more than a second behind. Aston Martin surprised by placing third and fourth with Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, while Verstappen couldn’t offer much to excite the fervent Dutch fans, finishing sixth. Verstappen ended the session in a peculiar way, getting stuck in the gravel at turn one after a post-checkered flag practice start.“We must focus on what we are doing now, we are very far, very far,” said a dejected Leclerc over the team radio.
