Norris Leads Austrian GP Second Practice After FP1 Absence

Lando Norris topped the second free practice (FP2) of the Austrian GP with a time of 1:04.580 — leading his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.157 seconds at the Red Bull Ring.

This impressive showing came after Norris missed FP1, where his replacement Alex Dunne managed to secure the fourth fastest time. Max Verstappen from Red Bull claimed the third position.

Lance Stroll was the only driver to get within half a second of the McLaren duo, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc — who also sat out FP1 — finished fifth after a brief excursion into the gravel at Turn 6.

“If I let go of the steering it goes hard-right,” reported Liam Lawson early in the session.

Canadian GP winner George Russell, who led the morning session, could only manage sixth. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton endured a difficult day with gearbox issues in FP1 and a stewards summons for impeding Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The session concluded with long-run simulations as Verstappen and Piastri opted for the C5 compound tires.