Max Verstappen Leads Second Practice at Mexico City GP with Charles Leclerc Close Behind Oscar Piastri Ranks 12th at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Max Verstappen showcased remarkable performance in the second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, securing the top position with a lap time of 1:17.392. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc closely followed, finishing just 0.153 seconds behind the Dutch driver.
Key Practice Insights
The session saw notable participation changes, with Verstappen being one of nine drivers who did not take part in the first practice. This was largely due to teams opting to utilize rookie drivers to adhere to regulations, yet Verstappen was quick to regain his rhythm.
Piastri’s Challenges Continue
- Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, struggled throughout the session, placing 12th and finishing 0.840 seconds off Verstappen.
- This session indicated a continuation of difficulties for Piastri, who had been the only title competitor in the opening practice.
Top Performers and Placement
In addition to Verstappen and Leclerc, the top five included:
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 3rd place, +0.174 seconds
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 4th place, +0.251 seconds
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 5th place, +0.300 seconds
Notably, George Russell secured 6th place, while Yuki Tsunoda, racing for Red Bull, came in 7th. Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top ten.
Concerns Over Race Pace
Despite his rapid qualifying laps, Verstappen expressed unease about the long-race pace after describing the car’s handling as akin to “driving on ice.” His comments highlighted the expected difficulties for Red Bull in the race setup, posing a risk against McLaren and other competitors.
Team Strategy and Focus
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies emphasized a session-by-session approach, prioritizing performance in each practice rather than focusing solely on the championship standings. The team remains committed to maximizing their potential for the concluding rounds.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Sessions
The Mexico City Grand Prix continues at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with further practices and qualifying scheduled:
- Practice Three: Saturday, October 26 at 6:30 PM
- Qualifying: Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 PM
- Race Day: Sunday, October 27 at 8:00 PM
This analysis sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the F1 season, as Verstappen looks to maintain momentum and Piastri aims to overcome recent hurdles.
