EL2 – Verstappen still comfortable in Istanbul, Leclerc ahead of the Mercedes

A shy sun awaited the 20 competitors for the second free practice session this Friday, November 13 in Istanbul. The track temperature was also timid, and would not yet allow the cars to attack at 100%.

Indeed, the tarmac, recently resurfaced and cleaned this morning by the marshals, retained a “mirror” appearance which faded as the drivers racked up their laps. The dreaded quadruple turn 8 was almost flat out after the 1h30 session this afternoon.

Despite these hazardous track conditions, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) stayed the course. The Dutchman, who was having fun on the track with video games F1 when he was a kid, once again set the best time. This time, he extinguished the threat embodied by his teammate Alexander albon ; the Thai, 2nd this morning, is rejected by more than a second (5th).

Despite equipment that can always be improved, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) reassured the fans with a convincing second time. The Monegasque is ahead of the pair of Mercedes, transparent in EL1, and much more comfortable after the lunch break. Valtteri Bottas ends once is not customary in front Lewis Hamilton.

At the foot of the virtual podium this morning, Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri, 7th) left it to the Russian Daniil Kvyat (6th) to defend the colors of the Italian team. Held by just one point in the Manufacturers' Championship, Renault, Racing Point and McLaren evolve in the middle of the pack, with a downside for Daniel Ricciardo, only 15th.

Finally, Williams and Haas bring up the rear, as has become the custom in 2020. Meet at 9:50 a.m. French time to follow the last free practice session in Istanbul, Saturday November 14.