norris sets pace as Piastri Adapts in First Practice Sessions
Miami, FL – Lando Norris topped the timesheets in second practice for the Miami Grand Prix, while teammate Oscar piastri faced challenges finding optimal setup, finishing behind Norris. The McLaren driver clocked the fastest time, signaling strong early performance for the team.
Piastri acknowledged a need for refinement, stating, “Finding my feet. Clearly, some things to try and improve for tomorrow, but after just one session, not too bad.” He pinpointed minor adjustments as key, noting, “It’s more just little details…just didn’t get the grip out of it on that first soft lap. So some small tweaks for tomorrow, of course.”
Norris, while pleased with the initial pace, remained cautious.”Obviously, from the times, things look good at the minute, but I still want a bit more from the car. I’m not completely happy, or completely confident,” he said. “We all know it gets a lot closer going into quali. So nothing to smile about just yet.”
Elsewhere on the grid, Red bull’s Max Verstappen reported issues with his car, stating, “Something is broken on the car,” and later adding, “It is everywhere now,” when pressed for specifics by his race engineer. Mercedes’ George Russell secured the third-fastest time in the second practice session.
McLaren team principal Andrea Brown addressed speculation regarding potential team orders, stating the team would prioritize the driver with the strongest chance of winning if it became clear both Norris and Piastri could not secure victory. “if, as the race develops, it becomes clear one of our drivers has a significantly better chance then the other, then we’re a team that wants to win the drivers’ championship and we will race accordingly,” Brown explained. He affirmed confidence in both drivers’ willingness to adhere to team strategy, adding, “Our drivers have always complied with team wishes, just as we comply with their wishes.”
