Lando Norris set a searing pace to top practice for McLaren at the Chinese Grand Prix ahead of Sprint Qualifying later on Friday.
The Brit, who leads the Drivers’ Championship after winning the season-opener in Australia last weekend, delivered a 1:31.504 to finish almost half a second clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Oscar Piastri was on course to set a similar time to his McLaren team-mate Norris before running wide in the final corner, which left the Australian third.
Lewis Hamilton completed a more positive showing from Ferrari – following their surprise Melbourne struggles – to take fourth.
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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had a huge spin at turn two during the only practice session of the weekend in China.
Hamilton was almost 0.7s back from Norris, but unlike the three drivers ahead of him, did not go for a second qualifying simulation in a slightly rushed climax to the session following a red flag caused by a technical failure on Jack Doohan’s Alpine.
George Russell had topped the timesheet after medium-tyre running but ended up fifth after failing to improve with his soft-tyre effort.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was only 16th for Red Bull after aborting his only attempt at a flying lap.
Sky Sports F1’s live Chinese GP schedule
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As the Chinese Grand Prix hosts the first of the six Sprints this season, Simon Lazenby explains why this format is so crucial
Friday March 21
- 6am: F1 Academy Qualifying*
- 6.45am: Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 7.30am)*
Saturday March 22
- 2.25am: Chinese GP Sprint build-up*
- 3am: Chinese GP Sprint*
- 5.45am: F1 Academy Race 1*
- 6.35am: Chinese GP Qualifying build-up*
- 7am: CHINESE GP QUALIFYING*
- 9am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday March 23
- 2.40am: F1 Academy Race 2
- 5.30am: Chinese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 7am: THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX*
- 9am: Chinese GP reaction: Chequered flag*
- 10am: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Shanghai this week for the first Sprint weekend of the season at the Chinese GP, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
