Norris has hopeful message for Verstappen: 'Our worst Friday of the year'

McLaren introduced new parts to Canada. Despite that, Norris didn't really feel any changes in the car, he said: “Pretty similar honestly, but I think it's hard to say just from one track, I think you have to go to many more. Especially here it's quite unique with the amount of bumps and kerbs and low grip that we have. So a bit too early to tell and all of the things are in to move the car in the right direction and they give me more feeling which is a good thing."

"But, I would say a tricky day, one of the trickiest we've had this year. A little bit off the pace comparing to some of the others, maybe [it] didn't look good at the end which is difficult to ever put a lap together and be consistent," Norris added.

McLaren normally starts off fast on Friday, with other teams catching up a bit on Saturday. This time, the British racing team struggled on the first day of the race weekend.

Norris then drew a tough conclusion at the end of the day: “I think we need to get the car in a better place. It's been our most difficult. Everyone's in the same boat on the track. The track's difficult, but it's definitely been our worst Friday of the year, I would say, so far. Maybe not worst in terms of pace, but just most difficult to put together and most tricky. We're not miles away, just need to make it a little bit easier to drive."

Lando Norris finished the first practice session in Canada in P7, with the afternoon session being kinder on the Briton who managed to pip his teammate and title rival on both ocassions, finishing P2 in FP2.