It was almost a surprise for F1 spectators. McLaren was not at the top of the time list during FP1. Lando Norris did not get higher than seventh place during the first session at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, while Oscar Piastri even ended up in fourteenth place. This is despite McLaren bringing new upgrades for the MCL39 this weekend. The second session on Friday went a bit better, with Norris and Piastri finishing second and ninth respectively. However, there is certainly still work to be done ahead of the qualification.
Lando Norris was faster than his teammate twice on Friday, but for the Brit, it is still too early to determine if the upgrades are really working. “I think we need to improve the car a bit more,” Norris said to Formula1.com after Friday. “It was our toughest Friday and everyone is in the same boat on the track.”
The McLaren driver explains that Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is unique, thanks to the number of bumps, kerbstones, and the low grip of the track. “The circuit is difficult, but it was certainly our worst Friday of the year, I would say so far,” Norris admits. “Not in terms of pace, but it was difficult to get everything together. We are not miles away, we just need to make the car a bit easier to drive.”
Despite what he calls the ‘worst Friday of the year’, Norris remains confident for the qualifying round later on Saturday. “I think we’re still in a good position. It’s just that the whole field is very close together,” explains the 25-year-old. The driver also immediately identifies the biggest competitor for the pole position. “Mercedes seems very fast now, just like last year here. We expected them to be fast and they proved that today.”
No Alarm Bells
Championship leader Charles Leclerc, who was slower than his teammate twice on Friday, agrees with Norris that there is still room for improvement. “It certainly ended better than it started. However, I think there is still some room for improvement,” says the Australian. “The competition seems close. In addition, knowing which tires to use is an interesting discussion at the moment. I’m sure we’ll see tomorrow how we can get a bit more out of the car.” Therefore, Piastri is not sounding any ‘alarm bells’ just yet.
