Overview
- George Russell set the quickest time in first practice on Friday, putting Mercedes on top after teams ran mandated reserve drivers in FP1.
- Lando Norris edged Russell to lead second practice, giving McLaren encouraging pace and underlining a nearer fight between the two teams for the weekend.
- Championship leader Kimi Antonelli sat out FP1 under the young‑driver rule and remains 68 points clear of Russell as he resumes full running in FP2.
- Ferrari brought a major upgrade package — including a new floor and front wing — and used rookie Dino Beganovic to gather data while teams reported tyre overheating and balance issues.
- Seven regular drivers were replaced in FP1 by rookies such as Leonardo Fornaroli, Paul Aron and Colton Herta making practice debuts, and Alpine’s successful appeal has reinstated Pierre Gasly’s Monaco podium ahead of qualifying.