Piastri and Norris dominate Bahrain GP FP2 amid grip challenges and competitive tensions

Oscar Piastri's impressive pace in FP2 and McLaren's one-two finish set the stage for a fierce battle, challenging rival teams to rise to the occasion.

Sources:

Updated 4h ago

Expert Commentary

Expert Commentary on McLaren's Place in the Race Dynamics

I think the margins are very small, they keep being small. If we look in China in qualifying it was a bit of a mixed bag, Japan in qualifying we got beaten – and in the race we got beaten. So I think we have to be quite realistic as to the situation in terms of performance. I hear [people] sometimes talking about ‘dominance’, which I think is out of place.

Andrea Stella

Key Facts

Team Principal Andrea Stella cautioned against claims of McLaren's dominance, emphasizing that the performance margins are small.
Stella's Perspective on the race weekend highlights the ongoing tension and competitive spirit among teams.

Live Updates

Live Updates and Driver Performance in FP2

A reasonable day for the team. Some tricky conditions, very different to the test, so it’s about understanding the car in the heat. The team have worked hard all day, and we now have plenty of things to focus on tomorrow to make sure we’re in a strong position for Qualifying.

Lando Norris

Friday done. Pretty tricky conditions out there today, especially in FP1, but I think it’s been a good day overall. The pace looked strong in FP2, and we’ve learned a lot.

Oscar Piastri

It [FP2] was OK. We expected McLaren to be a step ahead here and we saw that today. They were a strongest in the middle sector where the tyres are overheating, so we know we’ve got a bit of work to do if we want to challenge them. I think we’re in position fighting for the next best behind them in all honesty.

George Russell

Lando Norris fastest lap in FP1

1:33.204

Lewis Hamilton's lap time in FP1

1:33.800

Lando Norris fastest lap in FP2

1:30.659

Oscar Piastri lap time in FP1

1:34.508

Oscar Piastri lap time in FP2

1:30.505

Key Facts

Grip Issues during FP1 led to various challenges for drivers as temperatures dropped significantly before FP2, affecting performance.
Charles Leclerc and Alexander Albon faced grip challenges as both went off at the beginning of the session.
McLaren's Performance proved superior in FP2, with no competitor coming close to their lap times.

Background Context

Background of Grip Challenges and Timing Adjustments in FP Sessions

Time gap between Piastri and Norris

0.154

Time gap between Piastri and Russell

0.527

Key Facts

Practice Sessions revealed grip issues as Lando Norris recorded a lap time of 1:33.204 in FP1 and a 1:30.659 in FP2, showcasing improvement under difficult conditions.
Oscar Piastri took the top spot in FP2 with a time of 1:30.505, edging out his teammate Norris by 0.154 seconds.

Piastri and Norris dominate Bahrain GP FP2 amid grip challenges and competitive tensions

Expert Commentary on McLaren's Place in the Race Dynamics

Live Updates and Driver Performance in FP2

Background of Grip Challenges and Timing Adjustments in FP Sessions

Other Facts in these Reports

Source Citations