Leclerc showed the impressive performance of Ferrari this weekend in Imola, as the SF-24 proved to be fast regardless of tire compound and fuel load. The Monegasque driver led FP2, demonstrating the team’s strong form. On the other hand, Verstappen struggled to find the right setup with his RB20, even after a major change made by Red Bull before FP2. He continued to struggle in the middle sector and ended up in seventh place in Friday afternoon’s practice.
Although Lando Norris did not appear at the top of the timing screens, his absence was due to a mistake he made at Turn 18 during a qualifying lap. Before the mistake, he was setting purple sectors, indicating his potential for a top position. In the end, he finished in 12th place. If Norris had held firm, McLaren would be even closer to the top, if not the fastest. This demonstrates that McLaren has competitive pace this weekend.
Oscar Piastri showed McLaren’s strong form by finishing in second place behind Leclerc. Yuki Tsunoda also surprised with a third place in the VCARB. This proves that Ferrari and McLaren, both equipped with their updated cars, will give Red Bull a run for their money.
Ferrari had a good start in their home race in Imola, with Leclerc setting the pace in FP1 with the updated SF-24. Verstappen struggled with grip, especially in the middle sector, while Norris faced some issues with the car. Russell showed impressive speed in the Mercedes W15, which received more updates after Miami. However, Hamilton had several moments off track, indicating that the team’s form is uncertain. It remains to be seen whether Russell or Hamilton are a true indicator of Mercedes’ performance this weekend, and if Ferrari will be able to maintain their advantage.
Will Verstappen find his usual form with the RB20? What about McLaren? We will have to wait and see if FP2 brings any answers.
During FP2, the wind picked up and conditions remained clear. The track temperature dropped to 37 degrees Celsius, while the air temperature was at 24 degrees. The drivers wasted no time and lined up at the pit exit, waiting for the green light to go out. Only the two Williams cars and Piastri remained in their boxes. Initially, a mix of medium and hard tires was chosen, with qualifying laps scheduled for later in the session.
Hulkenberg returned early to the Haas pits, reporting that something was not right with his VF-24. Gasly also had a moment where he lost control of his Alpine and spun at the Variante Alta after exiting the chicane. Fortunately, the car suffered no damage.
The action continues in FP2 as the initial times are being set. Stay tuned for more updates.
Red Bull made a significant adjustment to their number one car, the RB20, and Verstappen had positive news when asked about the car’s balance, stating: “It’s already better.” The Dutch driver quickly took the top spot on the timing screens with his first timed lap on medium tires. Although Tsunoda briefly surpassed him, Verstappen regained the lead 12 minutes into the session.
There was a moment between Alonso and Hamilton, with Alonso reporting to his team that Hamilton seemed to think he was the only car on the track. This was the second lap where Hamilton showed this behavior, occurring at Turn 12 and now at Turn 7.
Meanwhile, Williams seemed to be facing an issue, as both of their cars remained off track, with their floors dismantled and still on their stands. After 15 minutes of the session, Ferrari occupied the first two positions, with Leclerc leading Sainz. Leclerc asked his team to check the hydraulic steering, as he felt something wrong in Turn 11.
With 40 minutes remaining, the drivers returned to the pits for setup changes and put on new soft tires for qualifying laps. Russell completed the first lap, but was only the fourth fastest, behind the times of Leclerc, Sainz, and Verstappen on medium tires.
Norris was on an impressive lap, setting purple sectors, but lost control of his car when he pushed on the curbs in the penultimate corner and had to return to the pits.
Leclerc improved his lap time with soft tires and remained in the lead, with Sainz still in second place. Hamilton found some rhythm and moved up to third, but Verstappen quickly regained the position. Verstappen, hindered by traffic, seemed to struggle in the middle sector, and Russell eventually took over his third place halfway through the session.
It was a shame that Norris had to abort his impressive lap, but Piastri showed McLaren’s potential by finishing in second place, just a tenth slower than Leclerc, who also improved his time.
Verstappen expressed his frustration, stating: “Oh my God. I don’t know, man. Everything is so difficult. This time, suddenly the front grips a lot, and I almost spun.” He also had an encounter with his old rival Hamilton, with both drivers exchanging gestures. Hamilton requested information from his engineer about other cars on track.
For the second time on Friday, Sainz missed the chicane and went straight through the grass. It seems like almost everyone got caught by that chicane today. Fortunately, there were no issues for Carlos, and he continued without any problems.
In the last 15 minutes, teams switched to longer runs after qualifying simulations, with heavier fuel loads and more durable tires.
Race officials announced that Tsunoda will be investigated after FP2 for a violation during a practice start, as he did it in the wrong place at the exit of the pit lane.
The issue of traffic will be a point of discussion in Imola, as Leclerc had an encounter with Perez in the final eight minutes, resulting in an aggressive overtaking move that left the Mexican driver puzzled.
Perez questioned: “What’s the problem with this Ferrari?”
In the last five minutes, Verstappen had another incident in the gravel, as he continued to struggle with the balance of his car. Sainz also faced a similar situation.
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