2025 F1 Spanish Grand Prix: Thrilling Free Practice 1 Results

Lando Norris set the pace as Free Practice 1 kicked off the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix weekend at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Norris, driving for McLaren, clocked a best time of 1:13.718 on soft tyres.

He finished just over three-tenths of a second ahead of Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top three. Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri completed the top five in the first practice session of Round 9 this Formula 1 season.

Conditions in Barcelona were particularly demanding, with bright sunshine and a track temperature reaching 47°C. These weather factors challenged tyre management for every team and driver.

Several teams chose hard or medium compound tyres to gather valuable data ahead of Sunday’s race. Early on, Fernando Alonso gave the home crowd something to cheer about when he briefly went fastest with a 1:15.480, underscoring Ferrari’s focus during the opening session.

Driver rotations made headlines. Victor Martins made his Formula 1 debut by taking Alex Albon’s seat at Williams for the session, earning 19th place.

Ryo Hirakawa jumped into the Haas for Esteban Ocon and finished in 17th. Both drivers benefit from valuable time at the wheel as the teams evaluate their depth and strategy for future events.

This weekend introduces expanded scrutiny on flexible wing regulations. The FIA’s new technical directive concerning flexi-wings took effect with FP1, raising questions about its impact on team performance. More details highlight how teams are adapting to the changes.

McLaren brought a new front wing designed to meet tighter tests, keeping the same aerodynamic shape but with reinforced construction. Discussions about aerodynamic elements and compliance are expected to dominate conversations as the weekend moves forward.

FP1’s action provided first insight into car balance under the revised rules and the hot track. Teams used the hour to alternate between long and short runs, searching for any competitive edge.

Once again, McLaren and Red Bull look strong, but Ferrari and Mercedes remain close in the pack. The Spanish crowd, passionate as always, watched closely as their local hero Alonso tried to push his Ferrari up the timing sheets.

The schedule continues with more practice and qualifying at the circuit. Fans can watch the race weekend unfold live on ESPN in the United States and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, with the main race set for Sunday at 9am ET.

With tight competition and new regulations in play, teams will be working hard overnight to analyze performance data and adjust their cars before the next session. The opening practice has set an energetic tone for the rest of the weekend, hinting at close battles ahead in Spain, especially with Verstappen’s title ambitions adding extra intensity.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.