“This session is a nightmare” – Charles Leclerc desperate during FP2 for F1 Japan GP. Charles Leclerc team radio in Suzuka FP2.

It was not a Friday to remember for Ferrari and Charles Leclerc, who, during FP2, opened up with a virtually desperate tone on the team radio. But what happened during the second free practice session at Suzuka for Ferrari, and beyond?

After setting the third-fastest time in FP1, Charles Leclerc took to the track for FP2 with hopes of improving. However, the session was interrupted three times, with only a few minutes of action on track. The first red flag was caused by a heavy crash from Jack Doohan, most likely due to a severe problem with his drag reduction system.

Charles Leclerc’s Team Radio During FP2 of the Japanese GP
The heavy impact with the barriers caused a long red flag. After the action resumed on track, just a few minutes later, another red flag appeared due to an incident involving Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard’s session also ended with his Aston Martin stranded in the gravel, requiring intervention to remove it.

Then came the third red flag for a fire outbreak. But that wasn’t the only issue for Charles Leclerc, who experienced difficulties managing his SF-25 and was virtually unable to push it to the limit, nearly losing control a couple of times.

So, near the end of the session, he opened up on the radio with a communication that perfectly reflected the situation: “Oh for fuck’s sake. This session is a nightmare!” A few words, but they seemed to perfectly capture the struggles faced by the Monegasque driver.

In the end, for number 16, only the 7th-fastest time, far behind the two McLarens, who seemed to be racing in a league of their own. The next session, FP3 and qualifying, will determine the starting grid for the Japanese GP.