Norris Tops Final Practice as Piastri Faces Struggles
Mclaren‘s Lando Norris secured the fastest lap in the final practice session for the Mexico Grand Prix, laying down a stunning 1m16.633s to edge out his competitors ahead of Saturday’s crucial qualifying. Meanwhile, fellow McLaren driver Oscar Piastri continues to grapple with performance issues, finishing behind Norris once again.
Norris’s Impressive Performance
In the final segment of the one-hour session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Norris displayed exceptional pace, asserting his dominance as he progressed to the top of the timesheets. The Briton’s lap time placed him comfortably ahead of Ferrari‘s Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes‘ George Russell, who finished second and third respectively.
Session Dynamics and Challenges
Final practice began under challenging conditions, with lower grip levels making it difficult for teams to glean accurate data for the upcoming qualifying session. Initially, Max Verstappen set the pace with a 1m18.914s time on medium tires, but drivers quickly began to improve as the session unfolded. Hamilton encountered problems with his Ferrari’s brakes, going wide in the second sector, which further limited his chances to challenge for pole.
Late Charge for Fast Laps
As the session progressed, drivers began a series of qualifying simulations, leading to a flurry of rapid lap times. Russell became the first to dip below 1m18s, clocking in at 1m17.892s on medium tires. However, the excitement peaked when Norris launched into a blistering final sector, ultimately achieving his impressive lap time that would remain unbeaten.
Piastri’s Ongoing Struggles
In stark contrast to Norris’s performance, Oscar Piastri’s struggles continued as he finished the session six tenths of a second off his teammate. Despite a solid long run on medium tires, Piastri failed to find the pace needed to compete at the front, reflecting concerns for McLaren heading into qualifying.
Verstappen’s Disappointing Display
Reigning world champion Verstappen, who experimented with more conservative engine modes during the session, managed only a sixth-place finish. He expressed frustration over the lack of grip from his RB21, which they hoped to resolve before the qualifying session.
Looking Ahead to Qualifying
As the grid prepares for qualifying later today, Norris will be keen to convert his practice success into a strong starting position. Meanwhile, Hamilton and Russell will look to capitalize on any mistakes made by their rivals. The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown at the high-altitude Mexico City circuit, where every tenth of a second will count.
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