Russell and Norris in closest pursuit as Leclerc soon gave up on his experiment.
Any logos that McLaren could not fit on its three primary race cars would be placed on the JHR machine.
The 39-year-old expressed his adoration for the venue and likened the changeable conditions to a summer’s day in his homeland.
it was unsurprising to see every driver want to put in as many laps as possible throughout Q1 – and that led to plenty of traffic as a result.
Carlos Sainz’s efforts to retain his seat came to nought as Lewis Hamilton will make a sensational switch from Mercedes to join Ferrari on a “multi-year” deal that begins in 2025.
Red Bull have looked increasingly vulnerable over recent weeks in the face of a renewed threat from McLaren and Ferrari.