Norris tops Chinese GP practice as Doohan’s stoppage brings red flag

SHANGHAI: McLaren’s Lando Norris set the fastest time in the only practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday, clocking 1:31.504 on soft tyres at the Shanghai International Circuit. He finished 0.454 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in third, despite a wide moment on his quickest lap.

The session was briefly halted after Alpine’s Jack Doohan lost power midway through a lap, bringing out a red flag. Several drivers, including Leclerc, complained about tyre graining on the front wheels due to the circuit’s demanding corners.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, a six-time Chinese GP winner, finished fourth, followed by teammate George Russell, who had topped the time sheets earlier but did not switch to soft tyres after Doohan’s stoppage. With qualifying for Saturday’s Sprint Race up next, Norris’ strong pace puts McLaren in a promising position for the weekend.