Japanese GP – FP2: Oscar Piastri fastest, Max Verstappen frustrated

At the end of the second free practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, Oscar piastri set the best time at 1:30.133, confirming the good form of McLaren on the Suzuka circuit. The Papayas had already finished 3rd and 4th in the first session. The Australian finished ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli (+0.092) and George Russell (+0.205), in a session where Mercedes Benz also confirms its competitiveness.

Fourth, Lando Norris He completes the leading quartet, but is already more than half a second behind his teammate. The Briton, suffering from problems with his carIt wasn't the smoothest session possible. Nevertheless, McLaren and Mercedes seem to be sharing the top positions at this stage of the weekend. Behind them, Ferrari remains in contention. Charles Leclerc (5rd, +0.713) and Lewis Hamilton (6th, +0.847) are in contention, but unable to match the pace set by the frontrunners on a flying lap. The Briton even stated that he "is slow because [he] has no confidence in the car." A real problem that the Team will have to be dealt with quickly.

The hierarchy then becomes more surprising with seventh place for Nico Hulkenbergin front of Alex Albon and Oliver Bearman. Max Verstappen He finished only tenth, more than 1,3 seconds off the fastest time: the Dutchman was frustrated with his understeering car and looks set for another difficult weekend, like in China. Further back, Sergio Pérez (20th) and Lance stroll (21st) bring up the rear among the drivers who set a time, while Arvid Lindblad did not record a time.

There will be one session on Saturday at 3:30 a.m. to refine the hierarchy before the qualifying sessions, scheduled for the same day at 7 a.m.

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F1 – Japanese Grand Prix
The ranking of Free Practice 2

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