The FP2 session of the Bahrain Grand Prix has concluded, marking the first real running of the weekend where the drivers were able to complete their laps. This follows an FP1 session that gave us little to no information due to a dirty track and low grip. In Free Practice 2, however, the drivers came alive and completed their work programs: once again, McLaren’s superiority emerged, with Ferrari and the other competitors in pursuit.
The session was more representative, with both the air and track temperatures providing more grip for the drivers after complaints about the low grip in FP1. Max Verstappen, George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso, who had given way to the rookies in FP1, were back on track.
The teams began running different programs, utilizing all three tire compounds available. McLaren picked up right where it left off, showing once again its strength.
Marc Genè’s analysis reveals that, in corners, the papaya car with yellow tires was able to replicate the same behavior as other cars with soft tires. However, a small issue forced Norris to make a slightly extended pit stop.
The British driver radioed in asking for a helmet and HANS device change. Alonso also faced more dangerous difficulties, reporting an issue with his steering wheel, which even detached suddenly. Nothing serious for the Spaniard, but Aston Martin had to work heavily on the entire steering column.
Meanwhile, at the front, it was a battle for the fastest lap of FP2, with McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Verstappen exchanging sector purple times. However, McLaren seemed faster and more balanced, managing to pull away from the competitors by at least four-tenths.
At Ferrari, the struggle continued. For now, the car seemed more unstable, changing behavior in corners. Charles Leclerc was better than Lewis Hamilton, but the car’s sensitivity to changes in ride height continued to slow Ferrari down.
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Race Pace Situation
In the final 15-20 minutes of Bahrain FP2, teams began their long-run simulations. A potentially worrying trend appeared. On red tires, Lando Norris was much more consistent than the others, who showed higher and more erratic times.
It remains to be seen whether Norris had a lower fuel load than his teammate and, in general, the other drivers. Charles Leclerc concluded a good simulation but was in line with the others, while the two papaya cars seemed to be in a position to pull away in the race.
Lewis Hamilton faced more difficulties, having reported an issue with the right side of his car, possibly related to the brakes.
At the end of the session, Oscar Piastri was the fastest, followed by his teammate and George Russell. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished in P4 and P8, respectively.
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