FP2 – New circuit record for Hamilton, problem for Grosjean

After Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) Friday morning, it is the turn of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) to sign the best performance during free practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last of the season. The British driver is a tenth and a half ahead of his German opponent. Third, Daniel Ricciardo recovered his lack of speed from the morning, and is three tenths behind the leader.

Like EL1, Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) are rejected at half a second. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) fell back into line somewhat and set the 6th fastest time, the objective of this session probably not being pure performance but consistency in racing conditions for Sunday. The first one Renault is ranked 9th for Nico Hulkenberg.

Back behind the wheel of his Force India after George Russell's test run, Esteban Ocon (8th) finished a short distance from his teammate Sergio Pérez (7th), precisely one hundredth. Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) ends the day with the 15th time. Romain Grosjean (Haas, 20th and last) literally got hot on the track; after a slip while braking, the Frenchman explained to his engineer that the temperature was rising abnormally in his cockpit.

The final free practice session will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. French time.