Norris Sets the Pace in US GP Practice, Piastri in the Shadow

Lando Norris Sets the Pace in United States Grand Prix Practice

Lando Norris demonstrated his potential by leading the practice session of the United States Grand Prix, setting a direct challenge for his teammate and championship rival, Oscar Piastri. Norris arrives in Austin with a 22-point disadvantage compared to Piastri in the overall standings. The British driver faces unspecified “repercussions” from his team, McLaren, after being held responsible for an incident with Piastri on the first lap of the Singapore Grand Prix. It is understood that these consequences will be of a sporting nature, and Norris suggested that they could affect him for the rest of the season.

Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, described Norris’s infraction as “minor” and assured that the consequences would be proportional, adding that the team’s only rule is not to touch each other.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren

The practice session was dominated by Norris, who finished with a 0.279-second advantage over Piastri, who finished in third place. Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg achieved a remarkable second position, followed by Fernando Alonso in fourth place. Max Verstappen, who is seeking his fifth consecutive title, is 63 points behind Piastri and finished fifth in practice. The weekend in Austin offers 33 points at stake, with the sprint race on Saturday and the main race on Sunday. The sprint race classification will begin at 16:30 local time (22:30 BST).