McLaren, the reigning Formula 1 champions, showcased dominant performance during Friday`s practice sessions for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, much to the disappointment of local Ferrari supporters. Oscar Piastri finished ahead of his teammate Lando Norris in both sessions, securing a McLaren one-two.
The Australian driver Oscar Piastri, who has won four of the last five races, posted the fastest lap time of 1:16.545 in the first practice session at the Imola circuit. He improved this time to 1:15.293 in the second session.
His teammate Lando Norris, currently 16 points adrift of Piastri in the championship standings after six rounds, was closely behind, finishing just 0.032 seconds slower in the first session and 0.025 seconds slower in the second.
The Imola circuit, known for its classic layout and tragic history including the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994, hosts Ferrari`s home race and signifies the beginning of the European leg of the season. It is reportedly expected to be removed from the calendar next year.
The first practice session was interrupted by a red flag and was not restarted after rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil crashed with approximately three minutes left. Fortunately, he was reported to be unhurt.
In the first session, Carlos Sainz secured third place for Williams, trailing Piastri by 0.052 seconds. George Russell of Mercedes was just 0.002 seconds slower, finishing fourth.
The second practice saw a surprising third place for Pierre Gasly in the Alpine car, although he was 0.276 seconds slower than Piastri. Russell maintained his fourth position.
Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar caused another red flag incident in the second session when he spun off at high speed and his car became stuck in the gravel trap.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, preparing for his first Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver, finished fifth in the first session (0.096 seconds behind) and 11th in the second (0.650 seconds behind).
Red Bull`s four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished seventh and fifth in the sessions. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari ended the day in sixth place overall.
Max Verstappen, the winner at Imola last year, expressed dissatisfaction with his car`s handling during the first practice, stating over the radio, “I can`t rely on the rear. It feels like I`m drifting everywhere.”
Both Ferrari drivers reported issues with their brakes.
Mercedes` 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli, the sole Italian driver on the grid and making his home debut, finished 13th in the first session and 18th in the second.
Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto, substituting for Jack Doohan at Alpine for his debut, posted the 17th fastest time in the first practice, improved to 13th in the second session, and avoided any incidents.
Charles Leclerc, who had missed media duties on Thursday due to feeling unwell, finished 12th in the first session where he also went off track into the gravel. He reported a problem with his helmet lifting.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood