Verstappen Tops Mexican Grand Prix FP2, Leclerc Close Behind

Max Verstappen led the second practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, signaling Red Bull's strong pace despite missing the first session. The session was crucial for data gathering, with nine drivers sitting out FP1 due to mandatory rookie sessions.

Why it matters:

• With numerous drivers missing FP1 for rookie sessions, FP2 became the primary opportunity for established drivers to gather crucial data and fine-tune their setups on the unique, high-altitude Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. This limited track time puts immense pressure on teams to maximize efficiency.
• Verstappen's immediate pace after missing FP1 underscores Red Bull's inherent strength and adaptation capabilities, setting a clear benchmark for the weekend.

The details:

• Max Verstappen, one of the nine drivers who sat out FP1, quickly found his rhythm, posting the fastest lap of 1m 17.392s.
• Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was Verstappen's closest competitor, finishing second but still 0.153s behind, indicating a potential battle at the front.
• Top 5 Finishers: Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five, showcasing competitive performances from Mercedes and McLaren.
• Championship Leader's Struggles: Oscar Piastri, the current championship leader, finished 12th, a significant 0.8s off the pace after a critical error on his fastest lap. This highlights the unforgiving nature of the circuit and the fine margins at the top.
• Strategic Impact: The extended rookie sessions in FP1 meant teams had less time with their primary drivers on track, making FP2 an intense data-collection exercise. Teams focused on understanding tire degradation, engine performance in thin air, and aerodynamic balance.

The big picture:

Mexico City's high altitude presents unique challenges for F1 cars, significantly impacting engine performance and aerodynamic grip. Teams must meticulously balance power and downforce. Verstappen's quick adaptation suggests Red Bull has found an optimal setup early, while Ferrari's consistent presence near the top indicates they might also be in contention.

What's next:

With qualifying approaching, teams will analyze the vast amount of data gathered in FP2 to make critical setup adjustments. The fight for pole position is expected to be tight, especially given the close times between Verstappen and Leclerc. Piastri and other drivers who struggled will be pushing to recover lost ground and find more pace before the crucial qualifying session.