Norris expecting ‘work to do’ in Mexico after struggling to find a ‘good feeling’ during limited Friday running

Lando Norris is anticipating that there is “work to do” for himself and McLaren ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix after the Briton struggled to find a “good feeling” during his limited running in Friday practice.

Having sat out FP1 as he handed his car over to rookie Pato O’Ward, Norris returned to action for an FP2 that was extended by 30 minutes to allow for testing of Pirelli’s 2025 tyre prototypes, with those drivers who missed first practice granted an additional 30 minutes to gain some representative mileage on the medium tyre.

FP2: Sainz sets the pace as Russell crash disrupts practice session extended for Pirelli tyre testing in Mexico

However, with the session disrupted by red flags when George Russell crashed in the Mercedes, running time was reduced. After completing his programme for Pirelli, Norris did not hit the track for his medium runs until the final moments of the session, ending up in fifth on the timesheets.

Reflecting on how the car had been feeling, Norris explained: “Not great, just a lack of laps comparing to most others, playing a little bit of catch-up and just not a great feeling.

“It’s just hard to get a good feeling around this circuit, just because it’s very low grip. I’m sure we’ll be fine tomorrow, but yeah, not the most comfortable so a bit of work to do.”

In terms of whether he is hopeful of being in the mix come qualifying day on Saturday, the Briton added: “Of course, I always hope that so that’s inevitable. Oscar [Piastri] was quick today, I think I’m a bit off so I’ve got some work to do like I said, but we’ll see tomorrow.”

FP1: Russell leads Sainz and Tsunoda during first practice in Mexico after dramatic Albon/Bearman collision

It did indeed look to be a decent outing for Piastri, the Australian going sixth fastest in first practice before ending second practice in P2. Asked later on if this had been a positive start to the weekend, he responded: “I would say yes.

“I think we seem to be in good shape, we made some good improvements from FP1 because it was a bit of a handful then. I feel like we’re in better shape, still some pace to find I would say, especially to Ferrari, but overall I think we’re in the mix.”

Having seemingly been unhappy with the car over the radio at one stage during first practice, Piastri was quizzed on what the issue had been and how he and the team had ultimately addressed it for second practice.

WATCH: Ride onboard as Sainz sets the fastest Friday lap in Mexico City

“I was just lacking confidence with the car really, a little bit similar to last week, but I think we found some good steps forward for FP2 which is encouraging,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s always nice when you can end the day on a good note, and hopefully we’ve learned a few things.”