Norris sets early pace in Dutch Grand Prix practice

Lando Norris topped the timesheets in opening practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, edging McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri as Formula 1 returned from its summer break, Sport360NG reports.

The Briton clocked a fastest lap 0.292 seconds quicker than Piastri, who sits nine points ahead of him in the championship standings with 10 races remaining. Norris also looked strong during McLaren’s long-run simulations towards the end of the session, underlining his pace advantage.

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll impressed with the third-fastest time, just over half a second off Norris and narrowly ahead of team-mate Fernando Alonso. Stroll’s lap came later in the session, when the track surface was at its quickest.

Alex Albon continued his strong form by placing his Williams fifth, ahead of home favourite Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and Mercedes’ George Russell. Russell’s team-mate Kimi Antonelli endured a tough start, sliding off at Turn Nine and triggering a red flag that curtailed much of his running.

Ferrari struggled for performance, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton only managing 14th and 15th respectively. At one stage, Leclerc voiced his frustration over team radio, saying the Scuderia were “nowhere”.

Elsewhere, Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda spun into the gravel at Turn 12 before rejoining, while both Verstappen and Hamilton also had minor offs but escaped without damage. Verstappen later locked up into Turn One after the chequered flag while completing a practice start.

Conditions stayed dry for the opening session, but forecasts suggest rain could play a role across the Zandvoort weekend.