FP2 – Hamilton responds to Verstappen in Austria

The crossover between Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) continues in Austria. Dominated by the Dutchman during the first free practices of the day, the seven-time world champion responded to his counterpart in the afternoon.

With a time of 1'04"523, the Briton dominated the second session of the day ahead of his teammate Valtteri Bottas (+0“189). Leader at the end of FP1, Max Verstappen this time settled for 3rd position, just over two tenths off the best time.

Ending Friday practice on   #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/fSksXpe3Vn

—Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 2, 2021

In a session where racing simulation was one of the main areas of work for the teams, Aston Martin showed herself in verve with the 4th and 5th respective times of Lance stroll (+0“616) and Sébastian Hag (+0“745).

Back behind the wheel of the A521Alpine after giving way to Guanyu-Zhou during EL1, Fernando Alonso signed a correct 8th time behind the two Alpha Tauri with Yuki tsunoda 6e Pierre Gasly 7e. Lando Norris (McLaren) and Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo) completed the last Top 10 of the day.

At Ferrari, these second free practices were relatively calm. Thirteenth after 60 minutes of driving, Carlos Sainz (+1″097) finished just behind Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and Sergio Pérez (Red Bull). Charles Leclerc (+1'185) for his part ranked 16th. Only the pilots Williams, George Russell and Nicholas latifi, And Haas, Mick Schumacher et Nikita mazepin, did not do better than the Monegasque.

The fight for track position hots up, as the quick lapses come in #AustrianGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/gpy5UtTonN

- Formula 1 (@ F1) July 2, 2021

At the end of the session marked by the appearance of a few drops of rain above the Red Bull Ring, the drivers took their foot off in order to avoid any accident and logically did not improve their times.