Formula 1 News: Norris tops USGP Practice 1 at COTA

Driving the superior #4 McLaren, Lando Norris (pictured) turned a la of 1m33.294s to top the only practice session for the 2025 USGP at COTA.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Nico Hulkenberg put up a surprise late lap to go 2nd fastest, 0.255s behind Norris for Sauber.

Points leader Oscar Piastri was third fastest in the #81 McLaren, 0.279s behind his McLaren teammate.

Fernando Alonso was a surprise 4th for Aston Martin, 0.345s behind Norris.

Max Verstappen rounded out the top-5 for Red Bull, 0.354s behind Norris.

Alex Albon was 6th for Williams, 0.626s behind Norris and ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell, in 7th.

Lewis Hamilton, fastest on the hard tire runs, was 8th, on the medium Pirelli rubber.

So, McLaren seem back on form here – but interestingly in the speed trap data, Verstappen seems strong in the medium speed corners, and that is where McLaren normally have the edge. As such, do not rule the Dutchman out today.

But while plenty of drivers will be happy with their session, Sainz and Leclerc both lost lap time thanks to reliability woes. And neither got a soft tire lap in, which puts them on the back foot going into Sprint Qualifying.

Charles Leclerc was out early with a suspected broken transmission.

Next up is Sprint Qualifying – which is fast, frantic and fraught with the danger if an early exit.

2025 USGP Practice 1 Results