Lando Norris and Sergio Perez criticized the track at the first Miami Grand Prix after several Formula 1 drivers wrestled with the surface in opening practice.
Norris’ McLaren won the P6 after Friday’s second session but was not satisfied with the racing conditions.
“It was extremely difficult. It was very bumpy in some areas, not quite what we expected,” Norris said.
“I thought everyone expected it to be very smooth and beautiful, but it’s not,” he added.
Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas Back against the tire barrier in Turn 7, damaging the rear wing of his car during the first practice session, while Ferrari’s Carlo Sainz Jr crashed into Turn 14.
“The surface is also very complicated because you deviate anywhere and the game is pretty much over and you end up with the wall, so it [is] punish, let’s say,” Norris said.
“That’s why you’ve seen quite a few people finish in the hurdles. I feel that it’s not good for the race now.
“It’s negative, but positive is it’s still a good direction,” he added.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez agrees with Norris’ concerns.
“I’m really disappointed because there’s no grip. It’s a pity because I think the race is going to be bad because of that. As soon as you try to go off track, there won’t be any points,” said Perez.
“It’s wet over there. It feels very gravel. Racing is going to be tough. I think it’s going to be an interesting race. We’re all in the same boat. We don’t know exactly where we’re going. “, he added.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said drivers will have to figure out how to handle corners.
“There’s really only one line. You’re off the road and there’s no grip. It’s going to make racing a bit difficult, but they’re finding their way into it and finding balance and satisfaction. set up for the kind of angles you’ve come to. It’s quite challenging,” he said.
George Russell Mercedes’s topped the timesheet with the second fastest lap in practice, 0.106 seconds faster than Ferrari’s overall leader, Charles Leclerc.
