Norris reflects on ‘worst Friday of the year’ while Piastri insists there are ‘no alarm bells’ as McLaren look for improvements in Canada

Lando Norris has labelled his “tricky” opening day of action at the Canadian Grand Prix as the “worst Friday of the year” for McLaren, with team mate Oscar Piastri also acknowledging that the squad are aiming to take a step forward in order to keep up with their rivals in Montreal.

On a weekend in which the team have brought upgrades to the MCL39, Norris and Piastri ended Free Practice 1 in seventh and 14th on the timesheets respectively, while the day’s second practice hour saw Norris finish second behind Mercedes’ George Russell with Piastri in sixth.

FP2: Russell narrowly leads Norris and Antonelli in Canada after Stroll strikes the wall

Reflecting on how the new parts feel on the car so far, Norris admitted that it was difficult to get a read during the first day of running at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

“[They feel] pretty similar, honestly, but I think it’s more it’s hard to say just from one track,” the Briton explained. “I think you have to go to many more, especially here it’s quite unique with the amount of bumps and kerbs and low grip that we have.

“So 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. But I would say a tricky day, probably one of the trickiest we’ve had this year.

“A little bit off the pace comparing to some of the others, and maybe it didn’t look it at the end but [it was] just difficult to ever put a lap together and be consistent – I did one good lap the whole session. We have some work to do.”

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow the action from FP2 for the Canadian GP

When pushed on what the issues may have been down to, Norris continued: “I think we need to get the car in a better place. It’s been our most difficult and everyone’s in the same boat on the track.

“The track’s difficult but it’s definitely been our worst Friday of the year, I would say so far – not worst in the pace, but most difficult to put together and most tricky. We’re not miles away, just need to make it a little bit easier to drive.”

Despite this, Norris is still optimistic about McLaren’s prospects entering into Qualifying day on Saturday but remains wary of the threat posed by the likes of Mercedes, who claimed pole position at the track in 2024 with Russell.

“I think we’re still in a good position, it’s just that it’s close – there’s all the teams up there,” the 25-year-old said. “Mercedes now seem very, very quick, just as they were last year here – they were quite easily the best last year. We expected them to be fast, they proved that today.

HIGHLIGHTS: Verstappen leads Albon and Sainz in eventful FP1 in Canada as Leclerc crashes

“But I’m complaining that I’m not first really! We’re still there or thereabouts, it’s just trying to simplify things a little bit, trying to make the car a bit easier to drive. We’ll be there or thereabouts, at the minute I wouldn’t say we’re the quickest but you never know.”

On the other side of the garage, Piastri also suggested that the papaya squad have room to improve but reflected positively on his progression throughout Friday’s sessions.

“It definitely ended better than it started, but I think still some improvements to try and make,” the Australian conceded. “It’s been a little bit of a tricky day, just trying to find the right window of the car. I think we’re getting there but we still need to find a bit more.

“The competition looks close, also just knowing what tyres to use is an interesting discussion at the moment, so I’m sure we’ll see how we can find a bit more tomorrow.”

FP1: Verstappen leads Albon and Sainz during first practice in Canada as Leclerc brings out red flags

In terms of where the understanding is with the updates – and how hopeful he feels about making an additional step on Saturday – Piastri added: “I think the new parts have done what we expected them to, but hopefully we can find a bit more.

“I think we made a good step from FP1 to FP2, and just need to try and make the same step again, I guess. No alarm bells, just trying to get the car in a better window and get me in a better window.”