Le FP2 of the Abu Dhabi GP confirm McLaren ahead of Ferrari in the fight for builder title, XNUMX Norris e Piastres in front of everyone, while Sainz (fourth) is the better of the two Ferraris. Penalty and difficulties for Leclerc (sixth) complicate the Prancing Horse's weekend, while Mercedes e Red Bull they remain behind but ready to join the battle.
Where were we?
The Abu Dhabi GP weekend opened with a first free practice session which immediately ignited the challenge between Ferrari and McLaren for the constructors' title. Charles Leclerc dominated FP1 with the best time ahead of Lando Norris, but his SF-24 suffered a severe blow: a Energy store problem forced the team to make a substitution, resulting in a 10 position penalty on the starting grid. This makes Ferrari's mission even more complicated, given that they have 21 points to recover on McLaren (out of a maximum of 44 available).
The fight for the victory of the race does not only involve the two contenders for the title: Red Bull e Mercedes, despite being out of contention for the title, have shown themselves ready to enter the battle, potentially taking away crucial points from the two contenders, as has already happened several times in the last period.
McLaren leads, Ferrari struggles
FP2 confirmed that McLaren seems to have a slight advantage. Landau Norris He finished in the lead, followed by his teammate Oscar Piastres and from Nico's Haas Hulkenberg (the only riders in the top 10 to record the best time on the soft tyres apart from Alexander Albon, ninth).
Fourth, half a second from the top, is Carlos Sainz. Charles Leclerc, penalties aside, has shown a competitive pace, but the gap to his rivals at the moment is worrying. The Monegasque driver (struggling with a gastrointestinal disorder due to food poisoning) will have to take advantage of every opportunity in the race to recover positions, while Sainz, in his last race in Red, will be crucial to keep the Prancing Horse's hopes alive.
Mercedes there is, Red Bull less
Mercedes showed good signs with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in FP1, but their step in FP2 was less convincing. Russell had trouble finding grip, finishing in a distant 13th position, while Hamilton he managed to place himself fifth, albeit six tenths behind Norris.
Complicated day, however, for Red Bull. Max Verstappen, winner of the last four editions of this GP, complained balance problems, with a single-seater that “doesn't run” as it should. With the world champion 17esimo and Sergius Perez in 14th position, Red Bull will have to work hard tonight to turn this weekend around.
The point on the others: Haas flies
Haas she distinguished herself positively, with Nico Hulkenberg who has won an excellent third time, while Kevin Magnussen entered the top 10 himself with a good eighth positionThe US team is ready to give Alpine a hard time for the sixth place in the constructors' championship, which is now 5 points away and would mean extra money for the team.
Williams, instead, had a difficult day: Franco Colapinto ended the session early after damaged the bottom of his car during a fast lap. A weekend that looks to be uphill for the Grove team, with both pilots that they will have to pay 5 place grid penalty is preferably used for replacement of an extra gear.
What to expect from the weekend
With a 21-point lead and a 1-2 in FP2, McLaren seems to have the edge to win the constructors' title, but cannot afford to make mistakes (as has already happened this year). qualifications will , with pole position proving crucial in Abu Dhabi (the last winner not to start from pole was Hamilton in 2014).
Mercedes could play the role of outsider, while Red Bull must find its rhythm to compete after an anonymous day. With an evolving track and temperatures that will drop on race evenings, the weekend promises to be a thrilling battle to end this incredible season on a high note.
