Lando Norris topped the first practice for the Dutch Grand Prix as the 2024 Formula 1 season resumed in extremely difficult conditions at Zandvoort.
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph were forecast to be what was expected, posing a challenge for drivers, but rain fell early in the session, limiting driving for the first 30 minutes.
As the rain cleared and the track dried out, allowing the use of slick tyres for the final 10 minutes, Norris set a 1:12.322 for his McLaren, beating world championship leader Max Verstappen by 0.2 seconds.
Although the conditions made it difficult to assess the exact pace, the result was encouraging for Norris, who will be looking to reduce the 78-point gap to Red Bull's Verstappen at the top of the standings over the remaining 10 rounds of the season.
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Watch Max Verstappen spin in the first practice session for this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.
Norris drove an upgraded version of the MCL38, the team's first major new parts package since the Miami Grand Prix in May, which included new front suspension and floor edges, as well as updated front and rear corners.
Lewis Hamilton, who won two of the last three races before the summer break, finished third for Mercedes, ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.
Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate George Russell took fifth, with Williams' Alex Albon ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri in sixth.
In front of an army of orange fans, Verstappen is looking to end a four-game winless run, their longest since the 2020 season.
The Dutchman, who had won his previous three home races at Zandvoort, was one of the drivers who highlighted the dangers of the early conditions when he spun at Turn 11 on his debut.
Before that, Haas' Nico Hulkenberg had twice been stuck in the gravel, while Alpine's Pierre Gasly had also been pulled out on the slippery surface.
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Lando Norris believes McLaren have 'everything' to beat Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Ferrari reserve driver Robert Schwartzmann replaced Valtteri Bottas in 16th place for Sauber, completing one of two mandatory young driver practice sessions the team is required to conduct during the season.
“As we hoped, as we expected, I think we can compete.” Sky Sports F1 Martin Brundle said: “McLaren looked strong. Their upgrades looked to be paying off once again.
“Of course, as always, you don't know the fuel load or anything like that, but it wasn't a session where Max Verstappen showed up and set a time and then everyone else was chasing it for the next hour. We had a real race.”
Dutch GP live schedule on Sky Sports F1
Friday, August 23
2:45pm: Dutch GP Practice 2 (session starts at 3pm)
4:25pm: F1 Academy: Practice 2
5:15pm: F1 Show
Saturday, August 24th
9:10am: F1 Academy: Qualifying
10:15am: Dutch GP Practice 3 (session starts at 10:30am)
1pm: Dutch GP qualifying preparation
2pm: Dutch GP Qualifying
4pm: F1 Academy: Race 1
Sunday, August 25th
9:40am: F1 Academy: Race 2
12:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP Preparation
2pm: Dutch Grand Prix
4pm: Checked Flag: Dutch GP Reaction
Formula 1 is back after the summer break. Watch the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort this weekend live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. Cancel anytime, no contract.
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