FP2: Hamilton keeps Mercedes on top in second Las Vegas GP...

FP2: Hamilton keeps Mercedes on top in second Las Vegas GP…read more

In the second practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton showcased his skills by securing the top spot for Mercedes, just moments before a red flag interrupted the proceedings. The session was marked by a significant incident as Alex Albon had to park his Williams on the side of the track due to a fuel system issue, which had previously hindered his performance early in the session.

Following Hamilton on the timing sheets were Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who finished in fourth and fifth positions, respectively. They demonstrated competitive pace, keeping their hopes alive for a strong performance in the upcoming race. Pierre Gasly, representing Alpine, rounded out the top six despite facing some traffic during his run on soft tires, which could have affected his overall time.

The Haas team also had a commendable showing, with both cars finishing within the top ten. Kevin Magnussen managed to place seventh, while his teammate Nico Hulkenberg secured ninth. Oscar Piastri from McLaren slotted in between them, showcasing the competitive nature of the midfield. Yuki Tsunoda and his teammate from Red Bull, who had struggled in the first practice session, made a significant improvement, rising to tenth position.

Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon finished in eleventh and twelfth places for their respective teams, Kick Sauber and Alpine. Bottas, however, is set to face a five-place grid penalty due to an engine-related issue, which places him ahead of Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, both of whom are looking for better form as the weekend progresses.

Liam Lawson, who is still acclimating to the demands of Formula 1, was about half a second slower than his teammate Tsunoda, finishing in fifteenth position. The session was challenging for many drivers due to the cold and slippery conditions, making it difficult to achieve optimal lap times. Zhou Guanyu in the second Sauber car followed closely behind Lawson, struggling to find his rhythm as well.

The reigning world champions, Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, had a quieter session than expected. Verstappen reported a lack of grip during his early laps and managed to complete only one run on soft tires before the red flag was waved, leaving him in a disappointing seventeenth position. His teammate, Sergio Perez, faced similar difficulties, finishing in nineteenth place, nestled between Williams drivers Franco Colapinto and Albon. Perez’s car ultimately came to a halt, forcing him to observe the remainder of the session from the pit wall.

As the teams and drivers reflect on the data gathered during this practice session, they will have another chance to make adjustments and fine-tune their setups ahead of the third and final practice session scheduled for Friday evening at 1830 local time. Following this, qualifying will take place at 2200, where drivers will battle for the best starting positions for the Grand Prix.

Overall, the second practice session provided insights into the teams’ performance and highlighted the competitive nature of the field as they prepare for the challenges of the Las Vegas circuit. With Hamilton leading the way, the stage is set for an exciting weekend of racing, with teams keen to optimize their strategies for both practice and qualifying sessions.