FP2 concluded in Saudi Arabia, on the track and beyond…

The Friday of free practice in Saudi Arabia ended in a somewhat, indeed quite anomalous, environment. It is Charles Leclerc's Red who, after the first position in FP1, also takes home the second free practice session, which started fifteen minutes late, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz. Again them: Charles vs Max, like in Bahrain seven days ago, but with a particularity. During the qualifying simulation, with the soft tires therefore of the Pirelli-branded C4 compound, Leclerc touched the wall with the front left, breaking his arm, while Sainz with the rear right. These slight problems led the two riders of the prancing horse to end the session prematurely, skipping (as in Bahrain) the race pace simulation, which for now obviously sees Verstappen ahead.

The silver is always there

The little problems at Mercedes continue, but perhaps without too much news, which are still positioned behind Ferrari and Red Bull. During the second session Hamilton signs the fifth time, ahead of his companion Russell sixth. Too many problems still related to porpoising and bouncing, manifested by Hamilton during the session, but it is undoubtedly a silver arrow that started the weekend in a better way than in Bahrain, waiting for the updates that can change the fate of this start season.

Shooting signals

Considering the race in Bahrain, McLaren is trying to show signs of recovery. “We have no cargo" complained during the week Norris who ends the second session in seventh place, ahead of the Alpine of Ocon always very solid and constant. So the Woking team is trying to raise its head again, even if it's obviously not easy, especially if you evaluate Ricciardo's fifteenth position, still grappling with the discovery of his MCL36.

Situation in progress

However, the situation in Arabia is very complicated. Indeed, during FP1, the Aramco oil plant was hit by a missile, coming from the Houthis, 20 km away from the circuit, causing a huge explosion. For these reasons, before the start of FP2, a meeting was held between the drivers and team principals of the teams with Formula One president Stefano Domenicali and the local authorities to try to obtain reassurance. New meeting to be held at 22.00 pm local time (20.00 pm Italian time), to determine whether to continue the race weekend, even if Domenicali's words bode well: “We're all here, so we're safe”said the chief executive officer of Formula One to the microphones of Sky Sport F1. A moment of waiting therefore, before understanding whether the weekend in Jeddah will continue or not. For now, everything would seem to be confirmed: if so, see you tomorrow with FP3, scheduled for 15.00pm, and qualifying at 18.00pm.

FP2, the results