Norris Sets the Pace Ahead of Qualifying in Canada
Lando Norris showcased his speed in the final practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix, clocking a lap of 1:11.799, just 0.078 seconds faster than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The Mclaren driver’s impressive performance comes as his teammate Oscar Piastri faced a setback, crashing into Montreal’s infamous wall of champions.
Final Practice Highlights
Norris Leads the Pack
Norris’s impressive time marked a significant turnaround after he described Friday’s practice sessions as McLaren’s "worst Friday of the season." Having adapted quickly to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, he heads into qualifying with confidence.
Leclerc Returns Strong
Charles Leclerc, returning to action after missing the second practice due to a crash, managed to secure the second-fastest time. His resilience on the track suggests that Ferrari remains a formidable presence this weekend.
Competitors’ Performance
Solid Showings from Mercedes and Red Bull
George Russell of Mercedes followed closely in third place, just 0.151 seconds shy of Norris, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton took fourth, 0.251 seconds off the pace. Max Verstappen, looking to secure his fourth consecutive win in Canada, finished fifth, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso capturing sixth.
Rookie Challenge
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli managed a commendable seventh place, while Oscar Piastri, who briefly sparked a red flag incident, finished eighth. Piastri, the championship leader, was able to resume driving with 24 minutes left after skimming the iconic wall.
Championship Standings
With just nine races completed in the 2024 season, Piastri leads Norris by 10 points. As the drivers gear up for qualifying, the tension builds not only for pole position but also for crucial championship points.
Final Standings in Practice
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:11.799
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.078
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.151
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.251
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – Position further down
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – Position further down
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – Position further down
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – Position further down
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) – Position further down
- Alex Albon (Williams) – Position further down
As the teams prepare for qualifying, excitement is palpable, with fans eager to see who will claim pole position for what promises to be a thrilling Canadian Grand Prix.