Lando Norris pipped George Russell to the fastest time of second practice at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with Kimi Antonelli only fifth as McLaren impressed to outpace Mercedes.
After struggling badly for pace against their front-running rivals last week on the slow-speed streets of Monaco, McLaren looked a far more competitive force around the high-speed sweeps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday.
And it was world champion Norris, in his one session of the day on track, who was fastest of all in the second session thanks to a best lap of 1:15.426 on the soft tyres.
Norris pipped Mercedes’ Russell – who had set the pace in first practice – by 0.009s with Oscar Piastri just 0.057s behind in the second McLaren.
“McLaren will be really encouraged,” said Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok of the reigning world champions.
“Norris was right up there on race pace too, matching Russell lap for lap.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Kimi Antonelli was left frustrated after Oscar Piastri obstructed him during P2 in Spain.
McLaren and Mercedes enjoyed a clear short-run pace edge over Ferrari and Red Bull – although dominant championship leader Antonelli, the winner of the past five races, finished behind Charles Leclerc in fifth, almost 0.6s off Norris’ pace.
Antonelli, like Norris, sat out the first hour of running after seven teams chose the first session to run rookies as part of their yearly obligations to run inexperienced drivers four times a year.
Lewis Hamilton also sat out first practice although struggled on his return to find sufficient pace in a Ferrari that features eight different upgrades this weekend. He wound up 1.2s off the pace in ninth place, although team-mate Leclerc was just 0.3s back in fourth to offer the hope of progress with the car into Saturday.
Max Verstappen appeared to have a difficult day in his Red Bull, fighting both its handling and tyre wear.
He finished sixth fastest in the second session, almost one second behind Norris, and described his tyres as feeling “horrendous” late on in the session on a long run amid sweltering track temperatures and gusty winds in Spain.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Liam Lawson saw his gearbox break as his Racing Bulls came to a stop at the pit lane exit during P2
Arvid Lindblad was seventh to continue Racing Bulls’ strong run of form, although team-mate Liam Lawson was restricted to just seven laps due to his car stopping with a mechanical problem exiting the pit lane.
The team were at least able to get the car back fix the issue so that Lawson was able to return and complete a handful of laps before the chequered flag fell.
Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto was eighth fastest, while Isack Hadjar was 10th to underline Red Bull’s apparent day-one difficulties.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Isack Hadjar and Sergio Perez nearly crashed into each other during second practice in Barcelona
McLaren back in business to challenge Mercedes?
McLaren’s title defence has hitherto been beset by consistency and unreliability but the team’s management have remained outwardly confident that their MCL40 car will come good.
They introduced a new version of the front wing they initially introduced – but then took off – the car two races ago in Canada and this version appeared to help the car’s performance around a flowing track of medium and high-speed corners that should play to its strengths.
Norris said: “I think a reasonable Friday. Still a good amount of things to improve. It wasn’t like I felt amazing or happy.
Lando Norris led the way in second practice
“It’s hot so I don’t think anyone will be that happy. It’s difficult with the wind and the conditions.
“It just seems to be working better than the last few weeks, which is a good sign.”
“We are up there with the people we want to be. It’s hard to know what fuel loads, power modes other people are on.
“We are just happy we are heading in the right direction. It’s clear the car is working better.”
Antonelli, the 66-point championship leader, admitted his single hour of running in the Mercedes had proved “tricky” amid tyre overheating challenges but remained confident for a better day on Saturday for qualifying.
“Overall, still quite a bit of work to do,” said Antonelli. “But I’m quite confident ahead of tomorrow. The long run was good, so that’s a positive. I’m looking forward to the changes we are going to make.”
Sky Sports F1’s Barcelona-Catalunya GP schedule
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ahead of this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, we take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments from previous races at the circuit
Saturday June 13
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Barcelona-Catalunya GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint*
2.15pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 14
7.35am: F3 Feature Race
9.05am: Porsche Supercup
10.20am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
2pm: THE BARCELONA-CATALUNYA GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Barcelona-Catalunya GP reaction: Chequered Flag
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Spain for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with live coverage on Sky Sports F1. Sunday’s race starts at 2pm. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
