FP2: Alonso tops rain-soaked FP2 in Canada as Verstappen faces technical woes

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Fernando Alonso secured the fastest lap in a rain-affected Free Practice 2 at the Canadian Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver set his quick time of 1m 15.810s early in the session, managing before the heavy rain set in and disrupted proceedings.

Check out the results of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

Max Verstappen, eager to capitalize on early dry conditions, led the pack out of the pit lane but faced an early end to his session due to an ERS problem. Technical issues forced the Dutchman’s exit as mechanics investigated the fault.

Charles Leclerc encountered trouble of his own, being noted by stewards for using intermediates on a dry track. He later spun but nevertheless clinched P4.

As the rain intensified, many drivers struggled, including Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen, who both went off track. Stroll managed to regroup and finished P3, just behind George Russell in P2.

The session saw a brief lull due to worsening conditions, with Alonso’s benchmark time remaining unchallenged. A final flurry of action with intermediate tyres concluded the session.

Daniel Ricciardo placed P5, followed by Magnussen in P6. Lewis Hamilton took P7, despite vocalizing frustrations over the traffic. Yuki Tsunoda (P8), Alex Albon (P9), and Sergio Perez (P10) rounded out the top ten.

Esteban Ocon, on the verge of an announced exit from Alpine, finished P11. Logan Sargeant secured P12, followed by Carlos Sainz in P13. Valtteri Bottas placed P14.

Nico Hulkenberg (P15), Oscar Piastri (P16), and Zhou Guanyu (P17) followed. Verstappen ended in P18, with Pierre Gasly in P19 and Lando Norris in P20.

Teams will analyze the data ahead of Saturday’s final practice and qualifying sessions as they look to navigate any further weather-related challenges.

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