Norris Leads McLaren in Belgian GP Practice Amid Verstappen's Penalty

Lando Norris showcased impressive speed during the second practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.215 seconds. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, trailed closely behind, just 0.217 seconds off Norris's pace. However, Verstappen faces a 10-grid place penalty for the race due to exceeding the allowed number of engines for the season, complicating his chances for a strong finish. The weather conditions at Spa-Francorchamps remained dry during Friday's practice, but forecasts predict rain for Saturday's qualifying. This shift could potentially alter the competitive landscape, offering Mercedes a chance to regain some ground as they have struggled in dry conditions. The unpredictability of wet weather could play a crucial role in the outcome of the race. Norris's performance has raised expectations as he aims for his second victory of the season. Analysts, including Sky Sports F1's Karun Chandhok, noted that McLaren appears to have unlocked additional speed, although rain could change the dynamics significantly. Last year, McLaren's strategic choice of a larger wing proved beneficial in wet conditions, contributing to a strong performance, including a second-place finish for Piastri in the Sprint. As the teams prepare for qualifying, all eyes will be on Norris to see if he can capitalize on McLaren's current form and secure a favorable position heading into the race on Sunday. The Belgian GP weekend promises to be an exciting event, with qualifying set to begin at 3 PM local time.