Norris Sets Fastest Time In Final Canadian GP Practice

James

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Norris Sets Fastest Time in Final Canadian GP Practice: McLaren's Pace a Worry for Red Bull?

Lando Norris ended the final practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix on top of the timesheets, posting a blistering lap that suggests McLaren might be a genuine threat to Red Bull's dominance this weekend. The session, held under sunny skies in Montreal, saw a flurry of late improvements, but it was Norris who ultimately prevailed, leaving many wondering if the papaya-liveried cars are poised to challenge for a podium finish, or even a surprise victory.

McLaren's Unexpected Speed:

Norris's impressive lap time of 1:13.617 edged out Max Verstappen by a significant margin, raising eyebrows across the paddock. This performance, coupled with teammate Oscar Piastri's strong showing in P7, points to a significant step forward for McLaren, whose MCL60 has struggled for consistent pace throughout the season. The team's upgrades, seemingly focused on improving tire management and aerodynamic efficiency, appear to have paid dividends on the challenging Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This unexpected performance surge places McLaren firmly in the conversation for potential upset wins and significantly alters the pre-race predictions.

Verstappen and Perez Still Poised for Victory?

While Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez didn't quite match Norris' pace in FP3, their overall performance throughout the weekend remains strong. Both drivers still showcased impressive speed and consistency, suggesting they are still the favorites heading into qualifying. However, Norris’ commanding performance serves as a stark warning – Red Bull can't afford to be complacent. The unpredictable nature of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with its notoriously challenging wall-lined track and sudden elevation changes, could also play a factor, potentially offering opportunities for McLaren to capitalize on any mistakes from the frontrunners.

Key Takeaways from FP3:

• McLaren's Upgraded MCL60 Showcases Significant Improvement: The upgrade package seems to be delivering on its promises, boosting both pace and tire management.
• Norris' Dominance in FP3: His fastest lap raises the possibility of a significant challenge to Red Bull's dominance.
• Red Bull Remains the Favorite: Despite McLaren's strong showing, Verstappen and Perez remain the favorites, backed by their consistent performance and car reliability.
• Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s Unpredictability: The track’s unique challenges could level the playing field and provide opportunities for unexpected results.
• Qualifying is Crucial: The tight nature of the track means qualifying performance will be paramount to securing a good starting position for the race.

What to Watch for in Qualifying and the Race:

The final practice session provided a thrilling preview of what promises to be an exciting Canadian Grand Prix. All eyes will be on qualifying to see if Norris can translate his FP3 speed into a pole position challenge. The race itself is expected to be highly competitive, with the potential for overtaking and strategy calls to dramatically impact the final outcome. Can McLaren maintain their impressive pace and challenge Red Bull for the top spots? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for updates as we head into qualifying and the race! Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

(Note: This article is for illustrative purposes and doesn't contain actual live race data. Real-time results should be sourced from official F1 channels.)