McLaren’s Lando Norris set the fastest time during the opening practice session for Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix.
Norris used Soft tyres to post a time of 1:14.228 to inch just 0.024s ahead of World Champion Max Verstappen, who also used the red-banded compound for his best lap.
Verstappen, who claimed his maiden victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 2016, leads the championship by 56 points.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz started his home race weekend on a strong footing by classifying in third position, three-tenths down on Norris, but with his lap time achieved on the Medium tyres.
Fourth-placed George Russell also used the yellow-banded rubber for his timed lap, ahead of Soft-shod Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was seventh, while Esteban Ocon provided some encouragement for Alpine by taking eighth spot.
Fernando Alonso was ninth for Aston Martin and caused the only incident of note during the session after running wide at the high-speed Turn 9.
A minor part of Alonso’s AMR24 detached as he hit the kerb but the piece of debris was sufficient for race control to briefly suspend running while the part was removed from the track.
Alonso was able to return to action and continue his programme.
Williams’ Alex Albon rounded out the top 10, in front of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Sauber’s Valtteri Bottas.
Ollie Bearman returned to Haas’ VF-24 for his second of six planned practice runs as he continues his audition for a 2025 race seat.
The Ferrari Driver Academy member finished in 19th spot, two-tenths of a second behind Haas team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
