Norris optimistic about McLaren's performance ahead of Barcelona Grand Prix
Racer • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 5:25 PM
Last updated Jun 12, 2026
Lando Norris finished first in Free Practice 2 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, signaling a positive outlook for McLaren ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix this weekend. Despite missing FP1 due to rookie Leonardo Fornaroli's participation, Norris was 0.009 seconds faster than Mercedes' George Russell in FP2. Teammate Oscar Piastri also performed well, placing second in FP1 and third in FP2, just 0.057 seconds behind Norris. Norris highlighted the challenges posed by the track compared to previous races and acknowledged that improvements are still needed for optimal performance. Qualifying is set for Saturday amid expectedly warmer conditions that could affect tyre degradation.
- •Norris tops Free Practice 2 in Barcelona by 0.009 seconds over Russell
- •Piastri finishes second in FP1 and third in FP2
- •Norris missed FP1 while Fornaroli drove his car
- •McLaren shows strong potential at a traditional testing circuit
- •Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday in warm conditions
- 6:46 PMRacer — Norris feels McLaren ‘heading in the right direction’ after topping Barcelona practice
"Lando Norris believes McLaren is "heading in the right direction" as the reigning World Champion topped Free Practice 2 ahead of this weekend's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
"Norris and McLaren hopeful the Barcelona Grand Prix will put their recent slump behind them, while Mercedes aims to play the long game in the Spanish heat.
Sources
External links- RacerJun 12, 2026, 6:46 PMNorris feels McLaren ‘heading in the right direction’ after topping Barcelona practice
Norris and McLaren hopeful the Barcelona Grand Prix will put their recent slump behind them, while Mercedes aims to play the long game in the Spanish heat.
- Formula1.com—Norris gives his take on McLaren's Barcelona chances
Lando Norris believes McLaren is "heading in the right direction" as the reigning World Champion topped Free Practice 2 ahead of this weekend's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
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