Breaking: Verstappen despair deepens as Red Bull THRASHED by championship…read more
Verstappen despair deepens as Red Bull THRASHED by championship…read more
Max Verstappen’s difficult weekend at the Mexican Grand Prix continued during the second practice session (FP2) on Friday. Red Bull’s championship hopes took a hit as their rivals showed superior performance, highlighting the team’s struggles amidst Verstappen’s ongoing power unit issues.
The Dutch driver’s problems became evident early in FP2. Verstappen’s car faced persistent technical issues that had already appeared during FP1. These problems forced him to pull out of FP2 without completing a timed lap, leaving him in P19 on the timesheets. As a result, Red Bull’s rivals, especially Ferrari and McLaren, capitalized on the situation, taking dominant positions at the top of the leaderboard.
Extended FP2 and Red Flag Incident
The FP2 session in Mexico City was extended by 30 minutes to allow drivers to test the 2025 Pirelli tyres. This special 90-minute session provided the opportunity for all teams to try out a range of softer compounds, specifically C4, C5, and C6, to collect valuable data for the tyre manufacturer. Despite the extended session, tyre testing impacted the ability to fully assess each team’s pace, as very few drivers set competitive times on the current race tyres.
However, the session faced a significant interruption when a red flag was brought out after George Russell’s high-speed crash. The Mercedes driver suffered a heavy collision, exiting his car visibly shaken and clutching his ribs. He was immediately taken to the medical center for a thorough check. Fortunately, a Mercedes spokesperson later confirmed that Russell was “physically okay,” easing initial concerns. Nevertheless, the damage to his car means the Mercedes team will have substantial work ahead to repair the car before Saturday’s qualifying session.
Ferrari and McLaren Dominate FP2
Carlos Sainz emerged as the fastest driver of the session, clocking a time of 1:17.699 in his Ferrari, sending a strong message that Ferrari remains a serious contender in the Constructors’ Championship. Just behind him was McLaren’s rookie star Oscar Piastri, trailing by only 0.178 seconds. Yuki Tsunoda of VCARB continued his impressive performance, securing P3 and once again finishing ahead of both Red Bull drivers. This included Sergio Perez, who ended the session in P9, almost seven-tenths behind Sainz.
Ferrari and McLaren made a significant statement by placing both of their drivers in the top five. Charles Leclerc, also driving for Ferrari, landed in P4, only 0.188 seconds behind his teammate, while McLaren’s Lando Norris took P5, 0.249 seconds off Sainz’s benchmark. These results showcased a united front from Red Bull’s chief rivals, pushing Red Bull down the order, as their session was marred by technical challenges.
Midfield Surprises and Red Bull’s Setback
The session wasn’t just about the top teams, as several midfield drivers showcased strong performances. Haas’s Kevin Magnussen achieved P6, setting a time just over half a second behind the leader, while Lewis Hamilton, despite not leading the charts, put Mercedes in P7. Valtteri Bottas in the Kick Sauber and Liam Lawson in the VCARB secured spots in the top ten, highlighting solid midfield competition.
Sergio Perez’s struggles in P9, combined with Verstappen’s inability to complete a lap, highlighted the depth of Red Bull’s issues in Mexico. The failure to crack the top five positions could have implications in the closely fought Constructors’ Championship, where Ferrari now trails Red Bull by a mere eight points.
Uncertainty Ahead of Qualifying
Given the special nature of this FP2 session, there’s uncertainty around the true competitive order heading into Saturday’s qualifying. The focus on Pirelli’s tyre tests meant teams experimented with different compounds, making it challenging to predict who might have the upper hand in the race. This lack of clarity, combined with Verstappen’s technical troubles and Russell’s crash, sets the stage for an unpredictable qualifying session.
Overall, the extended FP2 session in Mexico underscored a pivotal moment in the 2024 season. With Red Bull struggling, Ferrari and McLaren are intensifying the battle for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, while the midfield teams are eager to capitalize on any opportunities. The final outcome remains uncertain as teams prepare to face off in what promises to be a crucial weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
F1 FP2 Results: Mexican Grand Prix 2024
1. Carlos Sainz [Ferrari] – 1:17.699secs
2. Oscar Piastri [McLaren] – +0.178sec
3. Yuki Tsunoda [VCARB] – +0.179sec
4. Charles Leclerc [Ferrari] – +0.188sec
5. Lando Norris [McLaren] – +0.249sec
6. Kevin Magnussen [Haas] – +0.540sec
7. Lewis Hamilton [Mercedes] – +0.580sec
8. Valtteri Bottas [Kick Sauber] – +0.652sec
9. Sergio Perez [Red Bull] – +0.693sec
10. Liam Lawson [VCARB] – +0.861sec
11. Fernando Alonso [Aston Martin] – +0.880sec
12. Nico Hulkenberg [Haas] – +0.922sec
13. Esteban Ocon [Alpine] – +0.957sec
14. Lance Stroll [Aston Martin] – +1.191sec
15. Franco Colapinto [Williams] – +1.209sec
16. Pierre Gasly [Alpine] – +1.243sec
17. Zhou Guanyu [Kick Sauber] – +1.281sec
18. George Russell [Mercedes] – +1.342sec
19. Max Verstappen [Red Bull] – NO TIME
20. Alex Albon [Williams] – NO TIME
About The Author
