Lando Norris led a frustrating session resulting from a red flag during FP2. A drizzly start saw the drivers emerge 5 minutes and 30 seconds into the session. Complaints of low grip echoed on the radio’s as the track slowly dried out in the cool temperatures.
Franco Colapinto started the session strong with a lap time of 1.37.779, with 47 minutes to go in the session. Max Verstappen knocked him off the top of the time sheet with a 1.36.029. It was all purple sectors for Kimi Antonelli as the Italian driver crossed the timing line with a 1.35.738, 15 minutes into the session.
Gasly shows Vegas is a strong track for him.
Hamilton had a frustrating flying lap as he was impeded by Hulkenburg. Seventeen minutes into the session, George Russell sat at the top of the time sheets with a 1.35.066. Pierre Gasly once again proved that Vegas is one of his best tracks, putting in a solid 1.35.141 with 41 minutes to go.
Mixed session for McLaren.
Having tested a different rear wing on Piastri’s car in FP1, McLaren changed to the Monza spec rear wing. Oscar had a frustrating session with numerous yellow flags and ultimately the red flag ending his flying lap.
Lando Norris had a mixed session. Earlier in the session it was clear that he was still struggling with grip having a big oversteer moment. However, towards the end of the session he improved as he topped the time sheets.
Photo credit: Formula 1
A close call for Leclerc
Charles Leclerc was lucky to miss the wall as he struggled with understeer, running wide at turn 7 which compromised turn 9. Lando Norris, Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar all had lock ups possibly due to a change in wind direction.
Photo credits: Formula 1
Red flag
Unfortunately with 20 mins to go the Vegas sphere glowed red as a red flag was shown for a possible loose drain cover at turn 17. Having been informed by a marshal of the issue, the trackside team swiftly deployed to assess the problem.
Photo credits: Formula 1
Gearbox trouble for Leclerc
As the trackside team finished assessing the track, the session resumed with six minutes to go. However, Charles Leclerc had a gearbox issue which ended his session early. The session finished under another red flag, as FIA officials noticed the drain cover at turn 17 was moving.
FP2 Top 5
Lando Norris – 1.33.602
Kimi Antonelli – +0.029
Charles Leclerc – +0.161
Nico Hulkenberg – +0.277
Isack Hadjar – +0.291