Lando Norris shines in FP1 at Austin, leading Hulkenberg and Piastri in the only practice session before the Sprint at the United States Grand Prix.
Introduction
It was all action and no downtime at the Circuit of The Americas as Lando Norris set the fastest time during the only practice session ahead of the 2025 United States Grand Prix. With just one hour to get everything right before Sprint Qualifying, the pressure was on. Norris rose to the challenge, putting his McLaren at the top of the timesheets, followed closely by Nico Hulkenberg in the Haas and Oscar Piastri, completing a strong showing for the papaya team.
The Texas heat, the Sprint format, and a single hour of track time made FP1 in Austin nothing short of a high-speed chess match. Let’s break down everything that happened in this one-shot practice session.
A Fast Start in the Texas Heat
The Austin sun blazed down as the green light flicked on at 12:30 local time, unleashing a swarm of cars onto the circuit. With the Sprint format limiting track time, drivers wasted no seconds. A long queue formed in the pit lane, led fittingly by World Champion Max Verstappen, all eager to extract every ounce of data before the evening’s Sprint Qualifying.
McLaren’s Early Dominance
From the very first laps, McLaren looked sharp. Norris, showing both confidence and composure, put in a series of strong laps that quickly established the MCL38 as one of the best-handling cars on the bumpy Austin surface. The team seemed to have nailed their setup straight out of the garage—something not every team could claim after only one hour of running.
Hulkenberg Shines in the Haas
Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Nico Hulkenberg, who slotted his Haas into second place, just a few tenths shy of Norris’s benchmark. The home crowd cheered as the German gave the American team something to smile about on their own turf. Hulkenberg’s performance underlined the car’s potential in cooler morning conditions, when the track surface still had grip to offer.
Piastri Confirms McLaren’s Strong Pace
While Norris led the way, teammate Oscar Piastri wasn’t far behind. The young Australian looked equally comfortable, putting in consistent laps and finishing the session third overall. It was another reminder that McLaren’s package remains competitive across varying track layouts, and both drivers seem equally adept at pushing its limits.
Verstappen Leads Early Benchmark
In the opening quarter of the session, Max Verstappen laid down an early marker with a 1:35.426, edging George Russell by 0.132s. The reigning champion looked in control, but as track conditions improved, he slipped down the order. It was clear that Red Bull were holding some pace in reserve—though even Verstappen appeared slightly uncomfortable with his car’s balance.
Traffic and Confusion for Isack Hadjar
A light-hearted moment came when Isack Hadjar, standing in for a Racing Bulls outing, found himself in an odd radio exchange. His engineer mistakenly referenced “Bottas” being ahead, confusing the rookie for a moment before clarifying. The brief lapse, followed by traffic and a wide moment, reflected just how chaotic and intense this condensed session had become.
Red Flag Disruption at Turn 19
With 40 minutes left on the clock, the session was temporarily halted after Lance Stroll ran wide at Turn 19, scattering debris across the circuit. The red flag gave teams a short breather to assess early data, but it also broke the rhythm of several drivers who were in the midst of long-run simulations.
Hamilton Finds Form in His Ferrari
When running resumed, Lewis Hamilton, now piloting a Ferrari, reminded everyone of his love for Austin. The seven-time world champion and five-time COTA winner briefly topped the charts with a 1:34.857, showcasing the car’s pace on medium tyres. Hamilton’s smooth driving style complemented the Ferrari’s strong cornering grip—though in the end, McLaren’s superior traction gave them the edge.
Strategy Games Begin Early
Every team approached FP1 differently. While McLaren and Haas focused on performance runs, others like Mercedes and Red Bull opted to split programs—testing both high and low fuel settings. With parc fermé conditions locking in setups after Sprint Qualifying, each team faced the tricky trade-off between short-term performance and long-term adaptability.
Aston Martin’s Mixed Fortunes
Aston Martin had a difficult start. Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll ran the C3 medium tyres early on but struggled to extract pace. Stroll’s off-track moment added to their troubles, while Alonso’s car looked unsettled over bumps. The team will be hoping for better fortunes come the Sprint.
Track Conditions and Setup Challenges
The Circuit of The Americas is notorious for its uneven surface and aggressive kerbs. Drivers had to walk the tightrope between pushing for time and avoiding damage. The combination of heat, wind, and changing grip levels turned setup decisions into a guessing game—one that McLaren seemingly won for now.
Sprint Format Pressure Mounts
With Sprint Qualifying scheduled just hours after FP1, the margin for error was razor-thin. Teams had to be decisive, converting a mere 60 minutes of data into setups that would define both the Sprint and Sunday’s main race. It was like cooking a full-course meal with just one taste test—you had to trust your instincts.
The Final Push for Lap Times
As the session entered its closing minutes, the timing screens lit up with personal bests. Norris’s 1:34.207 proved unbeatable, while Hulkenberg’s Haas held onto second. Piastri rounded out the top three, ahead of Hamilton, Russell, and Verstappen. The final few laps were chaotic, with heavy traffic making clean runs difficult, but the pecking order was clear: McLaren had nailed it.
What FP1 Results Tell Us About the Weekend
McLaren’s form suggests they could challenge for both Sprint and race victory, while Haas might just be the surprise package of the weekend. Red Bull still lurk in the shadows, though Verstappen’s pace hints that he’s yet to unleash his full potential.
Conclusion: Norris Sends a Statement
Lando Norris’s FP1 performance wasn’t just about speed—it was a statement of intent. On a weekend with minimal prep time, the McLaren star delivered under pressure, proving once again why he’s one of the brightest talents on the grid. With Hulkenberg impressing and Piastri close behind, the stage is set for a thrilling Austin weekend.
FAQs
1. Why was there only one practice session in Austin?
Because this weekend follows the Sprint format, teams get just one practice session before Sprint Qualifying and the Sprint race.
2. How long was the FP1 session?
The FP1 session lasted one hour, as per Sprint weekend regulations.
3. Who topped the timesheets in FP1?
Lando Norris set the fastest time of 1:34.207, leading Hulkenberg and Piastri.
4. Why was the session red-flagged?
It was due to debris at Turn 19 after Lance Stroll went off-track.
5. What time does Sprint Qualifying take place?
Sprint Qualifying is held later on Friday, a few hours after FP1 concludes, under parc fermé conditions.
