After Montreal, McLaren is back to showing strength in F1. Norris will seek a comeback, although Piastri may disagree. On the Red Bull-owned track, the papaya-colored cars have shown they are comfortable. During the first free practice session, Lando handed the wheel to Alexander Dunne. The young Irish driver made no mistakes.
MCL39: the car to beat at Spielberg
Dunne quickly adapted to the higher performance of Formula 1, setting the fourth fastest time in the session behind Oscar Piastri. Certainly a young talent to watch. In the second session, Norris showed his usual speed on one of his favorite circuits. The McLaren one-two finish at the end of the second free practice hour doesn’t necessarily confirm dominance by the papaya cars.
However, as Fred Vasseur explained, the team led by Andrea Stella typically runs low fuel on Fridays. Nevertheless, the MCL39 appeared well balanced immediately, unlike in Canada. Even considering the fuel loads, the long runs of the Woking team drivers were impressive. Another key factor is worth highlighting.
For the Styrian race, the English team brought important updates to the front suspension, demonstrating that the team is not resting on its laurels. The competition is dangerously close to living off past success. The 2024 Constructors’ Championship win also stems from Red Bull’s unexpected decline, which seemed set to replicate its 2023 dominance.
Lando Norris’s double opportunity
The Red Bull Ring is a special circuit for Lando. He has stood on the podium here in European Formula 3, Formula 2, and achieved his first podium in F1 during the dramatic 2020 edition. On that occasion, he set the fastest lap on the final lap, reducing the gap to Lewis Hamilton to under five seconds, equal to the penalty imposed on the seven-time world champion.
However, there is a big wound to heal. Referring to last year’s race, his rough duel with Max Verstappen ended in a disappointing retirement. Today, as then, Norris chases the world championship dream from second place in the driver standings. His main rival now is his teammate, and the title fight is just beginning. Still, he cannot afford any more slip-ups.
At the other end of the garage, there is a strong and fast competitor, so Norris is called to deliver a performance similar to Zandvoort and Singapore 2024. A victory would carry enormous significance and serve as a strong revenge. Lando is satisfied but pointed out that Fridays have been fast before, and he sees Verstappen as the main threat, though he believes all top teams could be very close in qualifying.
Oscar Piastri’s cautious approach
As often happens, Oscar’s weekends improve progressively. The championship leader knows his teammate is very competitive on this track. Beating his main rival for the title on one of Lando’s favorite circuits could be a knockout blow for the Englishman. However, like in Canada, the Melbourne-born talent does not obsess over winning at all costs.
Like Lando, the Australian talent also identifies the reigning world champion as the rival to watch. The shared view of both McLaren drivers supports the idea that Verstappen and Red Bull have not yet shown their true potential. Today, in FP3, we will undoubtedly get a first glimpse of their competitiveness, but Woking’s team remains the clear favorite regardless.
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