Lando Norris was the fastest. © ANSA / PETER POWELL

Norris with best time in Silverstone training

World Championship pursuer Lando Norris set the fastest lap at the start of his home Grand Prix after the serious collision in Spielberg with Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.

July 05, 2024

From: leo

The 24-year-old Briton finished the one-hour session on Friday on the Silverstone circuit in first place. Norris was just faster than Canadian Lance Stroll in the Aston Martin, with Norris' teammate Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren coming in third ahead of Verstappen. "We're generally doing well, the long run was very strong. We were able to pull away from Mercedes a little more," said Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko in the ORF satisfied. Piastri had previously had to end training early due to a hydraulic problem.

Verstappen was using the hard and therefore slowest tyre compound in the first free practice session for the British Grand Prix. The three-time world champion from the Netherlands drove his Red Bull 0,309 seconds slower than Norris, with whom he had recently clashed in the race in Styria.

Norris and Verstappen reconciled

A few days after the momentous crash in Spielberg, the two good friends reconciled. "The only thing that mattered after this weekend was my friendship with Lando," said Verstappen in the paddock. Norris had to end the race early on Sunday after a slight contact with the triple champion. Verstappen was given a time penalty by the race management, but managed to finish fifth and extend his lead in the World Championship ranking to 81 points. Norris then demanded an apology, among other things, but he backtracked in Silverstone.

Max Verstappen was recently in the spotlight. © APA/afp / BENJAMIN CREMEL

"Lando is a classy guy," emphasised Verstappen. He is fighting for his second Grand Prix victory, while he is fighting for his 62nd, said the Dutchman: "It's clear that the emotions are different." That's why he let tempers cool down first. Norris had previously said that they had already spoken on both Monday and Wednesday. He did not give any details. It's now "business as usual," added Norris. Verstappen also commented on the criticism of his driving style after the incident at the Austrian Grand Prix. "I don't give a shit about that. I'm going home and living my life," he said.