SPIELBERG, Austria — Despite sitting out the first practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix Friday at the Red Bull Ring, Lando Norris turned the fastest lap during the second session of the day.
Norris watched as development driver Alex Dunne turned the quick lap of the first session aboard Norris’ McLaren, then turned in the fastest lap of the second session at 1:04.580.
That was only .157 seconds quicker than his teammate, point leader Oscar Piastri, who occupied the second spot on the time sheets.
“I didn’t mind sitting on the pit wall. I felt a lot more relaxed there than in the car,” Norris said. “I’ve always enjoyed this place. The car felt good from the off. Alex gave good feedback this morning and he was on the pace straight away.
“We’ve showed a bit more pace than some of the others. So I think they’re going to catch up and Max (Verstappen) isn’t far behind — and they normally improve a lot into Saturdays.”
Indeed, Verstappen was third in his Red Bull just .318 seconds slower than Norris.
Lance Stroll was fourth quickest for Aston Martin, while Charles Leclerc clocked in fifth for Ferrari.
Mercedes driver George Russell, who won the Canadian Grand Prix, was sixth.
