McLaren 1-2: Piastri leads Norris in dominant Bahrain FP2 display

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

In an impressive showing during the second practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri topped the timesheets, narrowly leading teammate Lando Norris and Mercedes racer George Russell.

After a sweltering first practice session, FP2 provided more representative twilight conditions for teams and drivers. The sun set, and the floodlights illuminated the Sakhir circuit, mirroring conditions for both Qualifying and the Grand Prix.

All 20 full-time drivers participated in FP2, following some 'rookie' appearances in FP1. These included returns from Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Russell, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman, and Carlos Sainz.

As the session began, drivers quickly hit the track to assess grip levels using Pirelli’s soft, medium, and hard compound tires. However, reigning four-time World Champion Verstappen faced early challenges, reporting over the radio that his car was "jumping a lot" and had a "very bad ride," which included a lock-up at Turn 10.

Fernando Alonso's session started even worse. He experienced a steering wheel problem early on and had to crawl back to the pits, where Aston Martin mechanics worked to replace parts of the steering system.

Around 15 minutes into the session, Russell temporarily led with a time of 1:31.945 on soft tires, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, new teammate Kimi Antonelli, and Verstappen. Yet, as drivers completed laps on soft tires, the McLarens surged ahead. Piastri clocked a 1:30.505, with Norris close behind at 1:30.659, putting them half a second clear of the competition.

Russell managed to secure the 'best of the rest' position, 0.527 seconds behind, followed by Ferrari’s Leclerc, Antonelli, Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, and Verstappen, who later reported brake issues.

Hamilton finished eighth on the timesheets, as Ferrari tested their new floor design. He was followed by Bearman, Williams drivers Sainz and Alex Albon, and Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls car. Gabriel Bortoleto secured 13th, with Alpine’s Jack Doohan nearby and the compromised Alonso, who completed fewer than 20 laps.

Pierre Gasly placed his Alpine in 17th, followed by Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, who is still getting to grips with the RB21. Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the timesheets.

Drivers and teams will now reconvene at the Bahrain International Circuit to prepare for Saturday’s final practice session, scheduled for 1530 local time.

Up Next