Norris wary of ‘very, very quick’ Ferrari despite pace-setting start to home Grand Prix at Silverstone

Lando Norris made clear that there is “nothing to be too proud about just yet” following his table-topping performance during Friday practice for the British Grand Prix.

Norris produced a time of 1m 25.816s with Pirelli’s soft compound tyre in FP2 at Silverstone, putting him 0.222s up on Charles Leclerc and 0.301s up on Lewis Hamilton in the two Ferraris, who caught the eye throughout the day.

While satisfied with his and McLaren’s start to the weekend, Norris took notice of the pace displayed by Ferrari and expects a stern challenge from the Scuderia in the battle for pole position and victory.

Asked about his pace-setting effort, Norris said: “I mean, the soft was a very strong lap. But me being me, I think also just in general, the Ferraris have been very, very quick today – and they shall be tomorrow.

“I think we have a bit of work to do, to be honest. It looked maybe a bit too good today. Like always, Ferrari catch up into FP3, like they did last weekend [in Austria]. I would say pleased with today, but nothing to be too proud about just yet.”

Nonetheless, Norris’ aim heading into Saturday is clear, as the home favourite looks to deliver pole position in front of his own bright yellow grandstand, saying: “That’s my target! I’m working on it.

“I would look at it [the stand] every lap, every single lap. I mean, it’s hard to miss! Every lap I’m forced to look at it, but it’s also just a great thing to see. If it’s distracting me, it’s distracting others, so it’s working perfectly!”

Meanwhile, championship leader Oscar Piastri finished the day 0.470s down on team mate Norris – the Australian also talking up Ferrari’s speed and predicting “a lot of competition” for the big prizes.

“A good first day, I think,” Piastri reflected. “Ferrari have looked very competitive. I think we looked alright. In FP2, the soft tyre was a little bit messy for me. I think the potential’s definitely there and the long runs looked pretty solid as well.”

Asked if he was surprised by Ferrari’s showing, he said: “It was a bit of a surprise, yes. They looked good. Both in the Qualifying runs and the longer runs as well, so I think they’re in the fight this weekend, which is interesting to see.”

He added: “I think if I can piece things together it’ll be very competitive. [It was] just not a great lap and with these tyres around here you pretty much get one shot, so my second attempt was pretty decent considering the tyres. I’m pretty relaxed.”