McLaren has confirmed that a gearbox issue prevented Lando Norris from taking part in Free Practice 2 at the Madring circuit ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. The problem limited Norris to just two laps in the session, representing a notable setback for the driver as he seeks to gather valuable track time on the new, demanding venue.
According to McLaren’s Technical Director for Performance, Mark Temple, the issue was significant enough to disrupt Norris’s preparation. Norris had completed Free Practice 1, finishing sixth and trailing the fastest driver, George Russell, by nearly nine tenths of a second. However, the gearbox problem in FP2 curtailed his running, forcing the team to focus on maximizing his track time in the following session.
The Madring circuit presents a technical challenge with its combination of street-style and purpose-built sections. This layout demands careful car balance and tyre management, making practice sessions crucial for teams and drivers to adapt effectively. Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, was able to complete both practice sessions, finishing eighth and seventh respectively. Piastri commented on the difficulty of adjusting to the new track, highlighting the learning curve faced by the drivers and teams alike.
McLaren’s plan to compensate for the lost running involves giving Norris as much track time as possible in Free Practice 3. This approach aims to help the driver regain familiarity with the circuit and fine-tune the car setup ahead of qualifying and the race. The team’s focus remains on overcoming the setback without it affecting their overall weekend strategy.
The situation underlines the challenges teams face when adapting to new circuits, especially those with complex layouts like the Madring. Mechanical reliability remains a key factor in ensuring drivers can complete their programmes and extract the most from their cars during practice sessions.
While Norris’s FP2 issue was a disruption, Piastri’s consistent running across both sessions provided McLaren with useful data to work with. The team continues to evaluate the car’s performance and balance as they prepare for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
McLaren’s confirmation of the gearbox problem and the resulting impact on Norris’s running offers a clear picture of the hurdles encountered during the first day of practice at Madring. The team’s response highlights the importance of adapting quickly to new challenges in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1®.