Australia GP: Charles Leclerc back on top in FP2 ahead of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz

Australia GP: Charles Leclerc back on top in FP2 ahead of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz

Charles Leclerc at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Australian GP is back and how after a break of more than two years. After a blistering FP1, we moved on to FP2 as the drivers went through a trial run before going into qualifying. All the drivers participated in the free practice session other than Sebastian Vettel who had to retire because of over heating issues in FP1.

But it was normal service as far as the top of the grid goes. The Ferraris and the Red Bulls dominated the proceedings as they traded blows throughout the length of the season. Charles Leclerc looked phenomenal and super smooth corners while Max Verstappen’s Red Bull looked a class apart on the straights.

Charles Leclerc topped the proceedings with a time of 1.18.978 with Max Verstappen almost matching him move for move as he finished P2 with the fastest lap at 1.19.223. Carlos Sainz completed the top 3 with his fastest lap at 1.19.376.

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Charles Leclerc again gets the better off Max Verstappen in FP2

Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

One team which has definitely caught the eye has been Alpine with Fernando Alonso finishing P4 with a time of 1.19.537 and Esteban Ocon looking equally impressive as he finished P6 with the fastest lap at 1.19.842, as reported by autosport.

There was a brief red flag due to some debris on the track. It was later confirmed that something flew off from Lance Stroll’s car. But, otherwise it was a pretty clean session as there were no retirements or crashes which is always pleasing to see.

McLaren has definitely showed immense improvement after their disappointing showing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo both made it to the top 10 as they finished P8 and P10 respectively. Peirre Gasly took the last spot in the top 10 finishing P9 with the fastest lap at 1.20.142.

Both the Mercedes looked quite disappointing along with two Haas cars. While Alfa Romeo did show promise but nothing materialized. Let’s see what happens in FP3 after an interesting FP2.

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