Lando Norris rues "pricey" error that ended his FP2 session at F1 Azerbaijan GP

Lando Norris reckons he’s now on the backfoot for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after making a “pricey” error through the second Method 1 observe session.

The McLaren driver topped FP1, however completed tenth in FP2 after clattering the surface wall on the exit of Flip 4, which ripped out the left-rear monitor rod in his MCL39 and introduced an early finish to his session.

Norris was left rueing the incident and the way it ended his alternatives to construct up confidence across the Baku avenue circuit with Pirelli having introduced its softest vary of slick tyres this weekend.

“A pricey one, particularly right here,” mentioned Norris. “I used to be feeling good till then. I might quite have this and push and discover the boundaries than not push in any respect.

“So yeah, annoying, however I’d have preferred to get some excessive gasoline laps in, particularly on these tyres, the softer compound in comparison with final yr. However it’s what it’s and I will should make up for it.”

It was a problematic FP2 all spherical at McLaren although, as championship chief Oscar Piastri completed twelfth after hitting the surface wall at Flip 15, although that incident inflicted little harm.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Picture by: Bryn Lennon / Method 1 / Getty Photos

That was regardless of Norris topping his title rival in a 1-2 in opening observe, with 31 factors separating the highest two drivers forward of the ultimate eight grands prix of the 2025 marketing campaign.

“The monitor’s very totally different to final yr, it is fairly a bit faster, and it is a softer compound, which we do not use that always,” added Norris.

“We use it in Monaco, Imola, I believe that is it. So, definitely I am behind on the learnings now, however a scrappy session, I assume, from each my facet, I believe from Oscar’s facet, he appeared to be struggling a bit of bit with the automotive as effectively, so we’ll see what we are able to make up for tomorrow.”

Lewis Hamilton as an alternative topped a Ferrari 1-2 in second observe, because the seven-time world champion beat team-mate Charles Leclerc by 0.074s with each Mercedes drivers in third and fourth.

Norris is subsequently anticipating a powerful problem from the Italian outfit, which was on pole in Baku final yr by way of Leclerc – though he ultimately completed second to Piastri.

“They had been simply the quickest right here final yr, despite the fact that Oscar received,” mentioned Norris. “So, I believe Ferrari will probably be fast.”

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Picture by: Alexander Nemenov / AFP by way of Getty Photos

He’s additionally cautious of Purple Bull regardless of Max Verstappen, who received final day out at Monza, not ending a session above sixth likewise with team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.

“Purple Bull are going to be fast, they by no means go on Friday, however then they, I do not know, they fall asleep they usually get up after which they’re simply fast once more,” mentioned Norris. “So, no, I anticipated a problem from no less than three different vehicles tomorrow.”

Piastri was nonetheless constructive after each Friday observe periods, although he missed a lot of the FP1 motion because of a problem with the Mercedes energy unit on his McLaren.

“A bit tough, only a bit up and down,” mentioned Piastri. “I believe the tempo is there, it is simply not the best to get essentially the most out of it for the time being, in order that’s in all probability the principle factor.

“We tried just a few issues in FP2, I am certain we’ll look again and see what we are able to change for tomorrow, however I believe it is going to be a bit totally different with tyre selections and stuff like that. So I believe there’s nonetheless lots of positives from as we speak, only a few tough moments.”

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