The two free practice sessions took place yesterday Canadian GP. McLaren, unlike other teams, has not introduced any updates for Montreal but, standing as reported yesterday by Lando Norris, FP1 and FP2 should have been important to find the right set-up.
Due to adverse weather conditions, there was practically no racing in the first free practice session: in the first half hour the track marshals were busy drying the track. Then, a red flag caused by Zhou stopped the session for a while longer.
In the end it was Lando Norris, who with rubber soft, to get the fastest lap. Piastri instead finished in P6.
In the second free practice session, however, the riders were able to try the medium tyre, but the rain then interrupted the drivers' work team with dry tire to move on to simulations with intermediate tyre. However, this is useful given that the weather will also be uncertain during qualifying and the race.
It was, therefore, a Friday from which very little could be gained. We don't know the values on the field well, especially of the big Red Bulls, Ferrari and McLaren. FP3 scheduled for 6.30pm (you can follow the session with the service F1 Live Timing) will be crucial to finding a good setup, but rain also threatens today.
Canadian GP 2024, McLaren: Piastri's statements
Oscar Piastri: “It was a difficult day due to the weather, so it's difficult to understand where we are. I think we're doing well, but it's difficult to know as we weren't able to do all the laps we had planned, but it's the same for the others too."
“Our pace and times on the intermediates seem solid, which is good. But ultimately I think it's going to be a pretty confusing weekend for everyone. In any case, I can't wait to get back on track for FP3."
Canadian GP 2024, McLaren: Norris' words
Lando Norris: “The first day on the track was complicated due to the conditions which prevented me from doing all the dry laps I would have liked. We achieved a good result in the wet and, above all, we made an excellent first step this weekend, but it's difficult to understand what level we are at."
“In general, it was a difficult Friday for everyone and the weather conditions here can change everything. We will work hard overnight with the data at our disposal and see what we can aspire to tomorrow in view of qualifying."
Canadian GP 2024, McLaren: team principal Andrea Stella speaks
“Today's sessions were both affected by rain. It means that we haven't learned much about tire behavior, setup or even our competitive position (compared to opponents ed). That said, we may already have learned the most valuable information, because conditions could be the same for the rest of the weekend."
“So the race was worthwhile and at least we could offer something to the fans who came to see us. Now we need to be focused, take advantage of what we learned today and be ready for a busy weekend."
Crediti foto: McLaren