Norris Completes ‘Double Top’ in Hungary Practice

AFP | Budapest

• Lando Norris fastest in both practice sessions
• Teammate Oscar Piastri finishes second

Lando Norris stamped his authority on the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend by topping both practice sessions yesterday, completing a dominant ‘double top’ at the Hungaroring.

The 25-year-old McLaren driver posted the fastest lap of the day with a time of 1 minute 15.624 seconds, edging out teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.291 seconds in a tense second session. The strong performance comes as Norris seeks to close the 16-point gap to Piastri in the drivers’ standings.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed third, nearly four-tenths off the pace, followed by the Aston Martins of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso. Lewis Hamilton was sixth in the second Ferrari, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, Racing Bulls’ rookie Isack Hadjar, Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, and Kimi Antonelli in the other Mercedes.

In contrast, reigning champion Max Verstappen endured a frustrating day, finishing 14th — a full 1.167 seconds slower than Norris. The Dutchman, who repeatedly complained about the car’s balance and performance, went so far as to call it “undriveable”. His frustration boiled over when he was caught on camera throwing a cloth from his cockpit, an incident that could draw an investigation.

From the outset, Norris and Piastri looked determined to assert themselves. The pair traded quickest laps throughout the session and narrowly avoided contact late on when Norris locked up at Turn One, allowing Piastri to slip past.

The session began under bright, dry conditions. Nico Hülkenberg, returning to the track after Sauber’s reserve driver Paul Aron took the first session, was the first to venture out. However, within minutes he ran wide, scattering gravel across the circuit.

With McLaren showing clear pace and Verstappen struggling, the stage is set for an intriguing qualifying session ahead.