Sat May 31 12:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Piastri Dominates Final Practice Ahead of Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying**

**Barcelona, Spain – June 22, 2024** – Oscar Piastri of McLaren delivered a commanding performance in the final practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, topping the timing sheets with a blistering lap time of 1:12.387. This marks McLaren’s third consecutive fastest time in practice, solidifying their position as the team to beat heading into qualifying.

Piastri outpaced his teammate Lando Norris by a significant half-second, although Norris ran wide on his fastest attempt. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed third, but was a distant seven-tenths of a second behind Piastri, followed closely by George Russell of Mercedes.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull could only manage fifth, followed by rookies Isack Hadjar and Kimi Antonelli. Home favorite Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin finished eighth, a full second adrift of Piastri’s leading pace.

Lewis Hamilton endured a challenging session, finishing ninth and complaining of gearshift issues late in the practice. “Downshifts are not working properly, mate. Something’s wrong with the gear shift,” Hamilton reported over team radio. His struggles compounded a difficult Friday where he described the car as “undrivable.”

Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls rounded out the top ten as teams now focus on making final adjustments before the crucial qualifying session, which will determine the grid for Sunday’s race. McLaren’s impressive pace sets the stage for an exciting battle for pole position.

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