Lando Norris described McLaren’s performance during Friday practice at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix as their toughest of the season so far, signaling a challenging weekend ahead. Despite struggles, Norris anticipates a fierce contest with Mercedes for the pole position in Montreal.
During second practice, Norris posted a time just 0.028 seconds slower than session leader George Russell, setting his best lap on the soft tyre after only three flying laps. Meanwhile, McLaren’s championship leader Oscar Piastri was further back in sixth, trailing Russell by 0.439 seconds, who used the medium tyre compound to set the pace.
Challenges with McLaren’s car setup and performance
Reflecting on McLaren’s difficulties, Norris acknowledged the team’s work is far from complete. He described Friday as possibly the most challenging day for the team this season, not purely due to outright speed but because of the complexity in getting the car balanced and manageable. Norris noted that while they remain in a competitive position, improvements are needed to ease the car’s drivability.
We need to get the car in a better place. It’s difficult. It’s been our worst Friday of the year so far, maybe not worst in terms of pace but the most difficult to put together and most tricky,
said Norris.
We are not miles away but we need to make it a bit easier to drive. We are still in a good position. It’s close and other teams are up there. Mercedes now seem very quick, just as they were last year here. They were quite easily the best here last year.
We expected them to be fast, they proved that on Friday. But I’m complaining I’m not fast. We are still there or thereabouts. At the minute, we are not quickest but you never know.
McLaren introduced a new front suspension and front wing at Montreal; however, both cars reverted to the older front wing during second practice after experimenting with the new design in the first session.
Mixed feedback on McLaren upgrades from Norris and Piastri
While Piastri reported that McLaren’s upgrades worked as expected, Norris found the changes did not bring a significant difference in the car’s feel. The unique nature of the Montreal circuit, with its distinct kerbs and low-grip surface, makes it hard to evaluate the full impact after only one event.
It’s hard to say just from one track, you have to go to many more and here is unique with the kerbs and low grip,
Norris explained.
A bit too early to tell but all of the things are aiming to move the car in the right direction and give me more feeling, which is a good thing.
Piastri added that McLaren made a positive step from the first to second practice but still needs to improve for qualifying.
No alarm bells. Just need to get the car in a better window and me in a better window.
—Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
Mercedes shows strong form in cool conditions
George Russell topped the second practice session, marking his first time leading a session this year, as Mercedes capitalized on the cooler temperatures in Montreal. Forecasted to remain in the low 20s Celsius during qualifying and the race, these conditions appear to suit Mercedes’ car performance, positioning Russell as a clear contender for pole.
Despite his speed, Russell tempered expectations, highlighting the known challenges Mercedes face when temperatures rise. He described his lap as fully optimized, with no additional performance left to extract.
We had higher expectations coming into this weekend because of the cooler conditions, the track is quite smooth so the tyres run quite cold,
he said.
We know our weakness which is when it’s hot we struggle. When it’s cold, the tyres run cold and we are competitive. That’s validation today. We will try and maximise this weekend.
My lap was strong. It was optimised. There was nothing left more in the tank. We had it all on the table, full beans, power and all the rest.
You have to be realistic. A number of teams are thinking about the medium tyre. Come qualifying, do you go on the soft or medium, that’s one of the challenges with this C6 compound.
—George Russell, Mercedes Driver
Red Bull’s Verstappen faces balance issues ahead of qualifying
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen led the first practice session but slipped to ninth in the second. Although pleased with improvements, Verstappen acknowledged balance problems that affected ride quality during the afternoon session, which Red Bull will need to resolve before qualifying.
The day was alright. I felt quite happy with the car. FP2 was a bit more difficult for other reasons,
Verstappen commented.
We lost something with the car balance-wise, ride, that we need to investigate but overall it was a positive day.
The car in general in FP2 was a bit more difficult but if we can get it back to how it was in FP1, we look quite OK.
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver
Overview of Canadian GP schedule and broadcast details
The 2025 Formula 1 season continues at the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend, with live coverage available on Sky Sports F1 and streaming options through NOW, offering flexible viewing without contracts. The weekend’s action includes practice sessions, qualifying, and races across multiple categories such as F1 Academy.
Key events begin Saturday with F1 Academy races and conclude with Canadian GP qualifying at 9 p.m. Sunday features the main Grand Prix race starting at 7 p.m. local time, followed by post-race analysis.
Significance of the Canadian GP for McLaren and the championship
McLaren’s difficult Friday suggests a significant hurdle as they look to maintain momentum in the 2025 Formula 1 title fight. Norris’s close gap to Mercedes in practice indicates potential for a tight battle, but the team must overcome current handling and setup issues to challenge effectively.
With Mercedes showing strong pace in cool conditions and Red Bull working to fix balance concerns, the Canadian GP promises an intense and unpredictable qualifying session. For McLaren, improving car feel and consistency will be essential to contesting pole position and securing a competitive race result.
