Lando Norris set the quickest time within the second apply session (FP2) for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix because the solar dipped beneath the horizon. The McLaren driver was adopted intently by his teammate Oscar Piastri, with Nico Hulkenberg of Haas rounding out the highest three. McLaren’s efficiency bodes nicely for his or her championship cost as they head into the ultimate qualifying session of the season. Ferrari discovered themselves additional down the standings, with Carlos Sainz ending in 4th and Charles Leclerc in sixth. Max Verstappen, who had already secured the championship, ended the session in a shocking seventeenth place.
As FP2 unfolded, the session returned to a extra acquainted setup, with the six rookie drivers changed by the full-time drivers from their respective groups. Alpine’s Jack Doohan participated in his first-ever FP2 session in Formulation 1, stepping in for Esteban Ocon after the Frenchman selected to take part within the post-season take a look at with Haas. Regardless of a slight lock-up on the finish of the principle straight, Doohan remained optimistic and completed nineteenth. The later session begin time offered situations that have been extra consultant of what we will anticipate on race day, permitting groups to check each quick and long-run methods.
Ferrari and McLaren began the session robust. After the primary 20 minutes, Lando Norris topped the time sheets, with Charles Leclerc, the quickest in FP1, intently following behind. Nevertheless, Leclerc faces a 10-place grid penalty for the ultimate race of the season because of an power retailer alternative. Max Verstappen, who had chosen to take a seat out the primary apply to offer Crimson Bull junior Isack Hadjar some monitor time, had a tricky time in FP2. He voiced issues over the dealing with of his RB20, which gave the impression to be affecting his total efficiency.
Williams’ misfortunes continued throughout FP2. Because the night session wore on, drivers started switching to comfortable tyres to enhance their lap instances. Norris continued to impress, setting a greatest lap of 1:23.517. His solely notable mistake got here when he suffered a snap of oversteer after hitting the curbs at Flip 1. In the meantime, Williams’ Franco Colapinto had a a lot more durable session. The Argentine driver precipitated important injury to his automobile after closely hitting the surface curb, which ended his apply session prematurely. This might seemingly be his last F1 apply, as Crimson Bull has shifted their focus away from the younger driver. Williams’ woes weren’t over, as Alex Albon additionally encountered points along with his automobile, suspected to be a driveline downside, leaving him caught in third gear as he limped again to the pits.
McLaren’s robust efficiency was maintained for the rest of the session, with Norris and Piastri ending on the prime. Nico Hulkenberg, in his last race for Haas, secured a optimistic third place end for the American workforce. Max Verstappen’s session resulted in disappointment, ending seventeenth after battling understeer all through. His teammate, Sergio Perez, didn’t fare significantly better, ending the session in 14th place.
Listed here are the ultimate outcomes from FP2: