Norris Tops Chaotic Las Vegas GP FP2 Amid Red Flags and Low Grip

Lando Norris emerged fastest in a disrupted second free practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, clocking a 1m33.602s. He narrowly beat Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, with Charles Leclerc securing third despite a late gearbox issue. The session was marred by red flags for a loose manhole cover and subsequent track repairs, severely limiting running for many drivers.

Why it matters:

The Las Vegas Grand Prix's second practice session offered a taste of the unique challenges this new street circuit presents. The significant disruptions, including a track repair and a late-session gearbox failure for a frontrunner, highlight the unpredictable nature of F1 racing in new environments. For McLaren, a strong showing from Norris is crucial as they battle for constructor standings and individual driver momentum.

The Details:

• Top Performers: Lando Norris (McLaren) led the session with a 1m33.602s. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) was just +0.029s behind, followed by Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) at +0.161s.
• Unexpected Frontrunners: Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) secured an impressive fourth, with rookies Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) and Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) in fifth and sixth, respectively.
• Limited Running: The session was twice red-flagged. The first incident involved a loose manhole cover, a recurring issue in street circuits, which caused significant delays. This was followed by further track repairs. These interruptions meant many drivers, including Oscar Piastri, were unable to complete crucial soft-tyre runs, impacting their data collection for qualifying and the race.
• Low-Grip Conditions: Drivers consistently struggled with the low-grip surface of the new circuit, leading to multiple offs. Both Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar notably slid wide at Turn 16, indicating the tricky nature of the track's surface and temperatures.
• Leclerc's Setback: Charles Leclerc, after setting a competitive time, experienced a gearbox issue towards the end of the session, prematurely ending his run and adding to Ferrari's potential concerns ahead of further practice and qualifying.

The big picture:

The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend has been chaotic, to say the least. The track surface, combined with the cold desert temperatures, is creating unique grip challenges. The repeated delays and red flags disrupt team strategies, particularly regarding tire management and setup optimization. While Norris's pace is promising, the limited data for many teams means the true pecking order remains unclear. This unpredictable start sets the stage for a potentially thrilling, albeit challenging, race weekend.

What's next:

Teams will be looking to maximize their running in the upcoming FP3 session to gather more crucial data, especially on soft tire performance and long runs, before qualifying later on Friday. Resolving track issues and adapting to the low-grip conditions will be paramount for all teams aiming for a strong performance on Saturday. The focus will be on finding optimal setups and understanding tire degradation on this demanding new circuit.