Lando Norris Edges Oscar Piastri in Final Imola Practice Session

McLaren's strong performance at Imola sets the stage for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri looking to build on their momentum. Read more about the practice sessions.

Lando Norris edged teammate Oscar Piastri in the final Imola practice session, leading a McLaren 1-2. Norris set the fastest time with a lap of 1:14.897, capping off a dominant performance by the team in Ferrari's home territory. McLaren swept all three practice sessions, with their drivers occupying the top two spots in each.

OSCAR PIASTRI TAKES POLE AT IMOLA!!! 💪#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/07Ky3w7FJb

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 17, 2025

The strong showing sets the stage for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with McLaren looking to build on their momentum. Norris's pace suggests he could be a contender for the win, while Piastri will likely be a strong challenger as well.

Oscar Piastri, the Australian championship leader, was second-fastest in the final practice session, 0.100 seconds behind Lando Norris. Piastri had dominated Friday's sessions and holds a 16-point lead over Norris in the championship standings after six races.

Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, was third-fastest, just 0.181 seconds off Norris' pace. The Red Bull driver, who has won the last three Imola races, looked competitive on the medium tires. Kimi Antonelli, the 18-year-old Mercedes rookie, impressed with fourth place ahead of his home debut, although he was 0.5 seconds slower than Norris.

Charles Leclerc was fifth-fastest for Ferrari, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton struggled, ranking 10th after switching to the softer tires. Hamilton is preparing for his first Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari, driving the iconic red car.

Carlos Sainz, Hamilton's predecessor at Ferrari, had a strong showing, finishing sixth for Williams. Other notable drivers included Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) in seventh, George Russell (Mercedes) in eighth, and Alex Albon (Williams) in ninth.

Q3 TOP 10

Piastri 💪
Verstappen
Russell
Norris
Alonso
Sainz
Albon
Stroll
Hadjar
Gasly#F1 #ImolaGP pic.twitter.com/WcqBYubzGd

— Formula 1 (@F1) May 17, 2025

Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto had a tough debut session with Alpine, finishing 18th in the final practice. Colapinto replaced Australian driver Jack Doohan, who was recently ousted from the team. The real test for Colapinto will come in qualifying later on Saturday, where he'll aim to make a stronger impression for Sunday's race.