The results of FP2 in the Netherlands: Russell sets the fastest time, but Norris’s race pace is outstanding. Sainz stops due to a gearbox issue
Friday wraps up for the 10 Formula 1 teams at Zandvoort: after the FP1 session this morning, which was led by a strong Lando Norris, the FP2 session in the Netherlands saw George Russell take the top spot with a time of 1:10.702. It’s been a great weekend so far for Mercedes: Russell in first place and Lewis Hamilton third, just 111 thousandths behind his teammate.
In between them is Oscar Piastri: the Australian driver slots in between the two Brackley cars, just ahead (at least in the qualifying simulation) of Lando Norris. The “rival” of Verstappen is fourth, but his race pace on medium tires is currently the best on track.
Max Verstappen took only the fifth fastest time but had a strong race simulation. The sixth position was claimed by a surprising Fernando Alonso, as Aston Martin seeks redemption after a disappointing first part of the season.
Ferrari’s Disappointing Session: Leclerc 9th, Sainz Faces Gearbox Issues
On one side of the garage, Charles Leclerc secured a ninth place that doesn’t inspire much excitement (although the potential is higher than the times achieved, with a race pace interrupted by traffic). On the other side, Carlos Sainz faced a gearbox problem, causing his SF-24 to be put on stands at the start of the session, with mechanics still working on it.
There were also issues for Nico Hulkenberg, who hit the wall at Turn 1, leading to a red flag and ending the session for him as well.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
