Lando Norris set the quickest time within the second follow session (FP2) for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix because the solar dipped beneath the horizon. The McLaren driver was adopted carefully by his teammate Oscar Piastri, with Nico Hulkenberg of Haas rounding out the highest three. McLaren’s efficiency bodes properly 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 Method 1, stepping in for Esteban Ocon after the Frenchman selected to take part within the post-season check with Haas. Regardless of a slight lock-up on the finish of the primary straight, Doohan remained optimistic and completed nineteenth. The later session begin time offered circumstances that have been extra consultant of what we are able to anticipate on race day, permitting groups to check each quick and long-run methods.
Ferrari and McLaren began the session sturdy. After the primary 20 minutes, Lando Norris topped the time sheets, with Charles Leclerc, the quickest in FP1, carefully following behind. Nonetheless, Leclerc faces a 10-place grid penalty for the ultimate race of the season resulting from an power retailer alternative. Max Verstappen, who had chosen to sit down out the primary follow to offer Crimson Bull junior Isack Hadjar some observe time, had a troublesome time in FP2. He voiced considerations over the dealing with of his RB20, which gave the impression to be affecting his general efficiency.
Williams’ misfortunes continued throughout FP2. Because the night session wore on, drivers started switching to mushy tyres to enhance their lap occasions. 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 triggered important injury to his automotive after closely hitting the surface curb, which ended his follow session prematurely. This might doubtless be his closing F1 follow, 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 automotive, suspected to be a driveline downside, leaving him caught in third gear as he limped again to the pits.
McLaren’s sturdy efficiency was maintained for the rest of the session, with Norris and Piastri ending on the high. Nico Hulkenberg, in his closing race for Haas, secured a optimistic third place end for the American crew. Max Verstappen’s session resulted in disappointment, ending seventeenth after scuffling with understeer all through. His teammate, Sergio Perez, didn’t fare significantly better, ending the session in 14th place.
Listed below are the ultimate outcomes from FP2: