Formula 1 News: Norris tops opening practice for 2025 Chinese GP

Driving the superior McLaren, Lando Norris set the pace during Friday’s sole practice session at the Chinese Grand Prix, the McLaren driver topping the timesheets ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (+0.454s) and teammate Oscar Piastri (+0.649s).

With the Shanghai International Circuit having been resurfaced since F1’s last visit, the track was billiard table smooth and the grip far better than last year.

Lewis Hamilton (+0.691s) took fourth place ahead of Russell, while Nico Hulkenberg was an eye-catching sixth for Kick Sauber, 1.003s behind Norris.

Alex Albon followed in seventh, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and the Racing Bull of Yuki Tsunoda completing the top 10, 1.430s behind Norris.

Max Verstappen wound up 16th, 1.780s behind Norris, but that was not representative – he aborted his flying lap on the softs, and was not out there when the track was at its fastest.

Red Bull fans rest assured – he’s quicker than that, but how much? Red Bull have less time than last weekend to look at the data and make some changes, with just a few hours to go until Sprint Qualifying gets underway.

Sprint Qualifying is the next session, to set the grid for tomorrow morning’s Sprint race.

2025 Chinese GP Practice Results