Lewis Hamilton proves in the second free practice for the Hungarian GP that Ferrari’s speed this weekend in Budapest is indeed good. The Brit is the fastest man in the final session of the day, after teammate Charles Leclerc was already fastest in FP1. Max Verstappen is also doing well in the second practice: fourth.
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It takes a while before everyone gets into the groove in the second free practice. In the first twenty minutes of the session, a large part of the field reports grip problems. For example, World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli complains about the rear wheels locking up.
The wind has increased compared to the opening session, while the track temperature has dropped. That explains many of the problems for various drivers, especially in the last corner. Meanwhile, there is one man who will not take part: Lance Stroll. After the problem in FP1, his car is not ready in time to participate. Remarkably: the issue at the right rear of his Aston Martin was not related to the sixteen upgrades on the car. It was actually an old part that failed.
Leclerc and Hamilton are leading the way in the meantime. Only halfway through the session does that change. Lando Norris improves the fastest time, followed by Verstappen in P2. The Dutchman is doing well. Figuratively speaking, because not literally: he complains that there is something wrong with his seat and seating position in the car. While he heads to the pits, Franco Colapinto then spins his Alpine backwards off the track in the last corner before start-finish. The crash of the Argentine, who got out unharmed, causes a red flag.
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Antonelli not on form
Not much time is lost, which helps. Once on the soft tires, the Ferraris lead the field again. Verstappen then touches something on the soft rubber, as he reports via the radio. It is, as later turns out, a part of Alonso’s car. At almost the same moment, Antonelli goes straight on in turn 2. The Italian, who handed over the car to rookie Fred Vesti in FP1, is not in his element during this session.
When the checkered flag falls, Antonelli has to settle for P13 (!) Verstappen fares better, finishing fourth. But the biggest impression is made by the Ferrari drivers. This time Hamilton is the fastest, with a one and a half tenth lead over Leclerc. In P3 Norris concedes half a second, Verstappen almost seven tenths behind him. And so Ferrari ends Friday as by far the best team.
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