McLaren Duo Dominates Friday Sessions at Imola

Oscar Piastri has continued his impressive form in the 2025 Formula 1 season, leading Lando Norris to a McLaren one-two in Friday practice at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

The Australian, who is currently leading the world championship by 16 points after four wins in the first six races, headed Norris in both sessions, ending the day 0.025 seconds quicker.

Piastri’s dominance was a highlight of the day, which was marked by a surprise third place finish for Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. Gasly’s impressive showing was ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton, who was struggling with braking feel, was 11th fastest in the second Ferrari.

Despite Ferrari’s struggles for speed over a single qualifying lap, Leclerc and Hamilton both appeared to be mixing it with the McLarens for race pace later in the session.

However, Verstappen, who was driving an upgraded Red Bull, was off the pace on the long runs and slower than Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes.

The day’s practice was interrupted when Isack Hadjar, seventh fastest overall for Racing Bulls, lost his car on the exit of the Tamburello chicane and spun into the barriers. The car appeared to have escaped largely undamaged, but Hadjar became stuck in the gravel as he attempted to return to the track, leading to a red flag.

The session was restarted, but only in time for some drivers to complete a single flying lap.

Behind Hadjar in the list of fastest times, Yuki Tsunoda was eighth fastest in the second Red Bull, ahead of the Williams of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.

Lance Stroll, who was given the responsibility to test Aston Martin’s major upgrades, was down in 17th, while team-mate Fernando Alonso, driving the previous-specification car, was three places higher and 0.121secs quicker.

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday, with the race start scheduled for 14:00 BST. Live commentary of all sessions will be available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, while live text updates can be found on the BBC Sport website and app.