FP2: Alonso fastest as Verstappen faces setbacks in rain-soaked session
In a rain-affected Free Practice 2 at the Canadian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso emerged as the fastest driver, capitalizing on a drier window earlier in the session. Meanwhile, championship leader Max Verstappen faced technical difficulties, cutting his session short.
Under the looming threat of rain, the session began at 1700 local time with Verstappen leading a queue out of the pits. Drivers were eager to set times before the weather deteriorated.
Charles Leclerc found himself in early trouble, flagged by stewards for ‘tyre usage’ after venturing out on used intermediates without the track being officially declared wet. This potential infraction is set for post-session investigation.
With most drivers opting for slick tyres in the beginning, the increasing rainfall started causing havoc. Notable incidents included off-track excursions by Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen. The conditions then slightly improved, allowing some semblance of normal running.
“I smell a bit of smoke,” Verstappen reported from his RB20 as the session neared its midpoint. He safely exited his car in the Red Bull garage, prompting mechanics to diagnose what was later confirmed as an ERS issue. As a result, Verstappen did not rejoin the session.
Traffic became another concern, with Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz expressing frustration. However, the rain intensified once again, sending everyone back to the pits and causing a brief lull, while Alonso’s time of 1:15.810 stood unbeaten.
The session resumed with a burst of activity in the final stages as the track started to dry. Many drivers switched to intermediate tyres for their concluding laps.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloAlonso's fastest lap remained unchallenged, placing him on top. Mercedes’ George Russell secured P2, followed by a strong showing from Stroll in P3. Leclerc, despite a spin later in the session, clinched P4, trailed by Daniel Ricciardo in P5 for Red Bull.
Kevin Magnussen led the midfield in P6 for Haas, with Hamilton in P7 and Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull in P8. Alex Albon placed his Williams in ninth, while Sergio Perez, the only Red Bull to complete the session, rounded out the top ten.
Esteban Ocon, amidst news of his upcoming departure from Alpine, finished 11th. Logan Sargeant put his Williams in P12, followed by Sainz in P13 and Valtteri Bottas of Kick Sauber in P14.
Nico Hulkenberg took P15 for Haas, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in P16 and Kick Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu in P17. Verstappen ended the day in P18, and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and McLaren's Lando Norris completed the standings in P19 and P20 respectively.
As teams and drivers delve into their data from today's sessions, anticipation builds for the third and final practice set for Saturday. With unpredictable weather potentially continuing to play a role, strategy and adaptability will be crucial.
Stay tuned for further updates and detailed analysis as we move closer to the qualifying session.
