McLaren dominates FP2 at the Austrian GP

After a race off the podium in Canada and a week-long hiatus, McLaren once again showed that it is more alive than ever in the 2025 Formula 1 (F1) season. In the second free practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix, held this Friday at the Red Bull Ring, The papaya cars signed a resounding 1-2 led by Lando Norris, who stopped the clock at 1:04.580 s, followed very closely by his teammate Oscar Piastri.

McLaren's resurgence comes on the heels of a tense encounter between its two drivers in Montreal, where they clashed on track and raised alarm bells within the team. However, in Spielberg, both drivers responded with performance, displaying a sense of harmony on the track that has the British team excited about returning to the podium this Sunday.

Norris, the 2024 world championship runner-up, confirmed his affinity with the Red Bull Ring, the circuit where he achieved some of his first successes in Formula 1. His pace was solid from the start of FP2, after handing his car over to young Alex Dunne in FP1. Piastri, meanwhile, was not far behind and placed just behind his teammate, making it clear that the internal battle for the McLaren leadership will continue to rage throughout the weekend.

Behind the McLaren duo, names like George Russell and Max Verstappen are emerging as their main threats. Russell was competitive throughout the day, while Verstappen, at home for Red Bull , will be looking to take advantage on a track where he usually shines, although his team is not going through its best form.

Further back, Ferrari continues to struggle. Leclerc went off track, and Hamilton, from Mercedes, admitted over the radio that he was lacking pace, reflecting the parity and challenges in the midfield.

As for Argentine Franco Colapinto, he clocked a time of 1:06.176 s, more than 1.5 seconds behind leader Norris, unable to match the pace of his teammate Pierre Gasly and finishing last.

Activity at the Red Bull Ring will continue this Saturday with FP3 starting at 4:30 a.m., as well as qualifying to determine the starting grid for the Austrian GP , which will begin at 8:00 a.m.

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