Lando Norris led the way for McLaren in a tight FP2 session in Jeddah, showing early dominance over Piastri.
- Oscar Piastri pushed hard but fell just short of Norris, setting up a thrilling McLaren team battle.
- Reigning champ Max Verstappen found himself chasing the McLarens, settling for third place in the session.
- A dramatic crash from Yuki Tsunoda at the final corner brought the session to a brief halt.
- Tension flared as drivers navigated close calls and unexpected turns on the thrilling Jeddah track.
In a display of skill and precision, Lando Norris clocked the fastest lap in the second free practice session at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Norris, at the helm of his McLaren, edged out teammate and fierce competitor Oscar Piastri by a mere 0.163 seconds, setting a blistering pace in Jeddah’s challenging circuit. Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, trailed closely behind the McLaren duo, occupying the third spot with his Red Bull machine.
While the session unfolded under the dazzling lights of Jeddah, it was marked by drama and near-misses. Early on, rookie Gabriel Bortoleto was ruled out due to a fuel leak, leaving 19 drivers to contest the session. The track saw its share of excitement with Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg receiving quick assistance after close encounters with the pit wall during their exits. Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli locked up at Turn 1, narrowly avoiding chaos, while Lewis Hamilton veered off at Turn 22, showcasing the track’s demanding nature.
The McLaren internal showdown was riveting, with Piastri momentarily claiming the top time in the session before Norris reclaimed his dominance. Lance Stroll added to the suspense, spinning at Turn 1, and Alex Albon expressed frustration after a risky encounter with Hamilton. As competitors switched to soft tires, Verstappen managed brief supremacy with three purple sectors but was swiftly dethroned by Piastri and then by Norris.
Amid the high-speed drama, Yuki Tsunoda’s crash at the final corner stole the spotlight. His Red Bull clipped the inside barrier, resulting in significant damage that brought out the red flags with minutes to spare. Tsunoda’s somber apology resonated over team radio, marking a challenging end to his session. The incident underscored the perilous nature of Jeddah’s final turn, testing drivers’ limits as they vied for position.
As engines quieted in Jeddah, it was Lando Norris in control, setting a high bar ahead of the weekend’s races.
