George Russell takes FP2 of the Canadian GP. First time for the English driver obtained on medium tyres, which in qualifying could play an important role. Some difficulty for the two McLarens, which have returned to mount the front wings seen in Spain. Excellent on race pace both Antonelli and Verstappen, while the Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton, always on the long run, has shown that it can compete with its direct rivals.
Canadian GP FP2 begins without Leclerc
The news came just under an hour before the start of FP2 for the Canadian weekend: Charles Leclerc does not will take part in the second free practice session. A serious mistake that will almost certainly affect the rest of his weekend. The first one to take to the track for the Friday afternoon tests was his teammate, Lewis Hamilton on medium tyres. The Englishman managed to conquer the top of the times five minutes after the start. Immediately after, however, his performance was beaten by several drivers, with Russell which confirms itself as the fastest with red C6 tyres.
Less than ten minutes into the race, another driver crashes into the wall. Lance Stroll makes a mistake, irreparably damages the front suspension and is forced to park his Aston Martin in one of the escape routes of the track dedicated to Gilles Villeneuve. The track remains clear, no red barrier and the cars continue to drive freely. Williams' competitiveness confirmed which was already glimpsed this morning. Albon, in fact, in the 47th minute he found himself second with a red rubber, only to be overtaken by Carlos Sainz, which however is running on yellow rubber.
McLaren's difficulties continue as they search for the right set-up
For the first time this year McLaren is experiencing serious balance problems in FP2 of the Canadian GP. In fact, both Piastri and Norris, but especially the number 4 also counting the FP1, often arrive long at the important braking points. This often happens at the chicane of the wall of the champions, just before the finish line. The papayas will therefore have to work hard to repeat the performances seen so far in the championship. Fernando Alonso, on the other hand, is confirming a positive trend.. The Spaniard on medium tyres managed to set the fifth fastest time. Furthermore, after fitting the C6, the two-time world champion managed to position himself fourth with almost half an hour to go in the session.
Franco Colapinto's difficulties continue that, as in FP1, he spun at Turn 2. Furthermore, his times fail to take him out of the back row, proving to be still too far from Pierre Gasly. Who is instead flying is George Russell, firmly at the top of the timesheets with a lap performance obtained on medium tyres. Behind him, then, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is two tenths behind, which however is running on soft tyres. McLaren, in the meantime, is trying to solve its problems. Lap after lap Piastri and Norris are making up ground on the leading Mercedes. The two papaya drivers, moreover, are not running on the specification of thefront wing brought for this Canadian weekend, but with the one used during the GP of Spain.
Mercedes, furthermore, with both drivers the race simulation on medium tyres begins, now twenty minutes from the end. The same thing is being done Haas, which for the entire duration of FP2 of the Canadian GP was settled in the lower part of the standings. In the meantime Norris, on red rubber, he managed to find the right turn, placing himself in second place behind the usual Russell. Still some difficulties, however, for Oscar Piastri, who laps in sixth position.
Russell and Mercedes confirm great form
Russell's performance, which still sees him first in front of everyone, offers important information. Tires medium could also have their say in qualifying, in place of the softest compound, the C6. Meanwhile, with ten minutes to go, Antonelli and Verstappen seem to be the fastest drivers currently on track on the race pace simulation. Not far behind the two are then Norris and Hamilton. In fact, on the track, the drivers of the main teams they all seem to be quite aligned, bringing back a certain balance that was seen, to the great pleasure of fans, last year.
Verstappen and Antonelli, according to Ivan Capelli's commentary, they seem to be able to conserve their tyres better, while remaining on slower times than their opponents. The Dutchman, compared to his colleagues, is also the driver with the least graining during his long run. Also worth mentioning is the good race pace simulation carried out by Hulkenberg, which apparently is confirming the progress made by Sauber in the last Grand Prix. At the end of the session, however, the best time remains George Russell's, having scored a 1:12.123 on medium rubber. Behind him Lando Norris, followed by Antonelli, then Albon fourth and Alonso fifth. Only sixth Oscar Piastri. Seventh Sainz, ahead of Ferrari of Hamilton and Verstappen at Red Bull.
