Lando Norris finished the chaotic second free practice for the Dutch GP as the fastest. Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri were less than a tenth of a second behind his time. The session, which saw Max Verstappen finish fifth, was halted twice due to a red flag.
Half an hour before the second free practice, it started raining in Zandvoort and everyone in the paddock quickly sought shelter. The session eventually started under dry conditions, although threatening clouds still hung over the circuit.
Lando Norris quickly set the pace on the medium tires, followed by the two Sauber drivers who had opted for the soft rubber. Just as Oliver Bearman set the fastest time, Lance Stroll went off the track in the Hugenholtz corner. The smoldering Aston Martin caused a red flag and the session was stopped.
Max Verstappen asked over the team radio if Stroll was okay and if he was not having any trouble with his hands. After all, Daniel Ricciardo had previously broken his metacarpal in this corner.
Once the debris was cleared, the drivers had 38 minutes left in this session. But then almost immediately a Virtual Safety Car was deployed because the Racing Bulls of Isack Hadjar gave up the ghost. The rookie’s car was moved to a safe place and the session continued. Half an hour to go.
Norris is not pleased that Bearman holds the fastest time and decides to equip his car with a set of soft tires. The McLaren driver is performing well, but he aborts his fast lap. Nico Hülkenberg, however, pushes through and achieves the fastest time. Lewis Hamilton also speeds across the asphalt ribbon in the dunes, but loses control of his Ferrari and spins beautifully around.
Second Red Flag
The track is getting faster and faster, and then Alex Albon crashes in the Tarzan turn. Another red flag in this session, although the damage to the Williams is significantly less than that of the Aston Martin. As the other drivers enter the pit lane, there’s a near miss between George Russell and Oscar Piastri. The Australian veers off and overlooks the Mercedes trying to overtake him. They escape with just some skid marks and cursing over the radio.
When the session resumes, the situation at the top of the field remains unchanged until the flag drops. Norris finishes fastest, followed by Alonso and Piastri. Verstappen ends up with the fifth fastest time.
The third free practice is scheduled for tomorrow at 09:30 UTC.
