Abu Dhabi – EL2: Verstappen shines in the night

At the twilight of the 2022 season, under the spotlight of the Yas Marina circuit, Max Verstappen was the fastest in the 2nd practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The double world champion, who gave up his place during EL1 to Liam Lawson, set the best time in 1'25″146. For his return to the route which saw him be crowned in 2021, in a completely crazy scenario, the Dutchman beat the Mercedes by George Russell (2nd, +0″341) and the Ferrari de Charles Leclerc (3rd, +0″453). 

In a studious session, with many tricks performed by the entire field, the favorites were there. After a first part of the session on soft tires, where each driver was able to do a few timed laps, the second half of FP2 was used to understand tire wear on race simulations. The other Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari completed the top 6 with the 4th time for Lewis Hamilton (+0″615), the 5th time for Sergio Pérez (+0″706) and the 6th place for Carlos Sainz (+0″786).

The three top teams monopolized the top of the ranking in this 2nd session of the day ahead of the two Alpine byEsteban Ocon (7th, +0″892) and Fernando Alonso (8th, +0″897). The two French single-seaters, well on their way to getting 4th place among the manufacturers, finished ahead of the two McLaren during this session. Daniel Ricciardo concluded EL2 in 9th place (+0″978), three tenths ahead Lando Norris (12th, +1″231). Behind, no big surprises. Pierre Gasly only set the 19th fastest time, but he achieved his best time on medium tires. The drivers will return to the track on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. for the start of Free Practice 3.

The ranking of Free Practice 2: 

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