Fans of Formula 1 were treated to an exciting final practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix, where McLaren showed strong form. Lando Norris was the fastest, setting the pace ahead of the qualifying rounds. With a stunning performance, Norris proved that McLaren is a team to watch this weekend.
McLaren’s Strong Performance in FP3
In the final practice, Norris clocked an impressive lap time of 1:04.324, putting him ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri by just a tenth of a second. This was Norris's second consecutive session at the top, confirming the team’s excellent pace around the Red Bull Ring. Piastri, who had sat out FP1, made a strong comeback, finishing second and showing that McLaren cars are well-suited to the track's demanding corners.
The session saw a clear battle between McLaren and the rest of the grid. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, was close behind with a time of 1:04.534, only 0.210 seconds slower than Norris. Verstappen experienced a spin towards the end of the session, adding some uncertainty about his performance ahead of qualifying. Ferrari also showed potential, with Charles Leclerc finishing fourth and George Russell from Mercedes fifth.
Drivers Eyeing Qualifying with Caution
Both Norris and Piastri admitted that Verstappen remains a significant threat and is likely to be more competitive in qualifying. Norris expressed confidence but was cautious about the challenging conditions as the temperature was expected to rise, possibly affecting grip. Meanwhile, Piastri highlighted that the team's goal is to keep up the pace and secure a good position for the race.
This session highlighted the importance of aerodynamics and tire management, as drivers faced cooler conditions at the start, which then warmed up. Norris’s ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions was a good sign for the upcoming qualifying session. Verstappen’s experience and strategic approach might give him the edge, but the track’s unpredictable nature keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
The Austrian GP continues to be a fascinating weekend, with McLaren showing their strength early on. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see who will come out on top in qualifying and, ultimately, in Sunday's race. The combination of fast driving, strategic decisions, and a little bit of luck will decide this weekend’s champion at the Red Bull Ring.
