FP2 : Sainz Sets the Pace as Russell Crashes, Verstappen Struggles

In Mexico’s intense FP2, Sainz shone, Russell faced a setback, and Verstappen battled technical troubles amid Pirelli’s crucial tyre tests.

After a turbulent FP1, the Mexican Grand Prix resumed with the second free practice session on Friday afternoon local time, or midnight in France. Notably, following FP1, Robert Shwartzman received a five-place grid penalty for overtaking under yellow flags.

Teams reintroduced their main drivers after giving five young drivers track time. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, absent due to illness on Thursday, returned to the paddock and took part in a 30-minute performance test during FP2, which was dedicated to testing Pirelli’s 2025 tyres.

Drivers tested two sets of prototype tyres in FP2, running a short stint with 20 litres of fuel and a long stint with a full 100-litre tank.

Red Bull worked extensively on Max Verstappen’s car, addressing floor damage and an unidentified engine issue during the break. However, the car was track-ready by the start of FP2.

In contrast, the Williams team faced a more challenging situation as mechanics worked tirelessly to repair Alex Albon’s heavily damaged car following his collision with Oliver Bearman’s Ferrari.

Sergio Pérez initially set the pace, though Carlos Sainz soon bettered it with a 1’18″276 lap. Verstappen quickly joined the track but reported a “weird noise” from the engine; his team advised him to continue without concern.

Liam Lawson slotted into second, with Kevin Magnussen fourth, as Oscar Piastri split the two. However, the session was soon interrupted by a severe accident involving George Russell.

Following two red flags in FP1, this marked yet another interruption on the first day of the Mexican GP as Mercedes’ Russell lost control. He exited the car with a limp and proceeded directly to the medical centre.

Upon resumption, Sainz improved to 1’17″699, with Piastri moving to second and Yuki Tsunoda third. Verstappen’s session deteriorated further with recurring engine issues.

After four laps, he remained without a lap time and was instructed by his team to step out. Meanwhile, Albon’s car remained in the garage at Williams.

Guanyu Zhou encountered engine power cuts on his Alfa Romeo, expressing frustration over radio silence from his engineers. Back at Red Bull, Verstappen’s RB20 was hoisted and dismantled for further inspection.

The Pirelli programme experienced a slight delay, but the Italian tyre manufacturer then instructed teams to begin their long stints. In other words, this marked the end of the truly fast laps as the focus shifted to testing tyre durability.

Russell returned to the pits after his visit to the medical centre. Mercedes confirmed he was “fine” but noted the accident had resulted in “significant impact.”

Towards the end of the session, drivers were running on medium tyres. Lando Norris made gains, as did Fernando Alonso. Leclerc also improved, setting the fourth-fastest time and becoming the quickest on these medium compounds.

Sainz closed the day on top, followed by Piastri and Tsunoda. Leclerc and Norris followed in P4 and P5, with Magnussen, Hamilton, Bottas, Pérez, and Lawson completing the top ten. Verstappen finished second to last, and Albon last, with neither posting a timed lap.

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Mexico GP : Sainz leads, Russell Hits Wall, Max in Trouble Mexico GP : Sainz leads, Russell Hits Wall, Max in Trouble