Sainz tops FP2 in Mexico after Russell crashes out and.. Read more

Sainz tops FP2 in Mexico after Russell crashes out and Verstappen’s woes continue

Carlos Sainz was the driver to beat in FP2 for the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix, the Spaniard carrying over Ferrari’s momentum from an impressive one-two showing in Austin.

Much of the session was dedicated to Pirelli’s tyre test for the 2025 tyres, which resulted in a much different FP2 than we’re used to seeing.

Nevertheless, Sainz’s 1:17.699 topped the timesheet, with Oscar Piastri, Yuki Tsunoda, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris rounding out the top five at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

The unusual nature of the session makes it difficult to gather much in terms of which teams are ahead and which are lacking when it comes to pace, but that doesn’t mean there are no talking points heading into Saturday.

FP2 for the Mexico City Grand Prix had a little bit of twist, running for 90 minutes rather than the usual 60. That’s because the standard hour of practice was given to Pirelli tyre tests, with teams trying out a sample of the 2025 tyres.

The C4, C5, and C6 prototypes were thus given to teams, differing from the C3, C4 and C5 they will be using this weekend. Each driver was also given a run plan – two fast runs and two longer runs per car – while drivers who sat out FP1 also got a set of standard medium tyres to use in an extra 30 minutes of practice.

Drivers only managed about 15 minutes on track before the session was brought to a halt due to George Russell crashing at Turn 9. The Mercedes driver, who topped the timesheets in FP1, got too much kerb entering Turn 8, and with his car bouncing across the kerb, he lost control and slid into the barrier.

The rear tyre hit first, with the car bouncing and hitting the front, opening the door to possible gearbox damage. The impact proved fairly big as the Medical Car was deployed, and while Russel did walk away, he looked winded and was brought to the medical centre for further assessment.

While Pirelli likely weren’t thrilled with the delay in action on track, it did give teams like Red Bull more time to sort out Max Verstappen’s engine noise issues he reported while on track.

Another big talking point came when Verstappen’s day ended early. The Dutchman complained about a lack of power at the end of FP1, and the problem continued prior to the early red flag.

“We’ve got the same problem – box,” Verstappen was told once the session resumed, and any remaining hopes of returning to the track ended when mechanics were seen taking the floor off his car.