Lando Norris Leads FP2 at Dutch Grand Prix; Ricciardo’s Crash Shakes Session
Verstappen and Albon Secure Top Three Spots as Norris Dominates Second Free Practice
During the second Free Practice session (FP2) of the Dutch Grand Prix, it was Lando Norris who captured the spotlight by topping the timesheets. The McLaren driver exhibited remarkable pace and precision as he navigated the twists and turns of the circuit. Notably, Max Verstappen and Alex Albon secured the second and third fastest times, solidifying their positions among the frontrunners.
As the morning sun illuminated the track, echoing the conditions of the earlier Free Practice session, the weather remained dry. This came as a surprise, as earlier forecasts had indicated the possibility of rain at various intervals throughout the race weekend. The teams and drivers adapted to these conditions, honing their setups and strategies accordingly.
Overcoming initial setbacks, both Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg managed to make their presence felt in FP2. Stroll encountered engine issues during the preceding FP1 but made a successful return to the track. Similarly, Hulkenberg’s Haas VF-23, damaged in the morning session due to a crash, was promptly repaired, enabling him to rejoin the action.
However, the session witnessed a dramatic turn of events merely ten minutes in, as Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo suffered crashes at Turn 3. Unfortunately, these incidents prematurely concluded the session for the Australian drivers. In response, a red flag was swiftly deployed, temporarily halting proceedings to facilitate the removal of the McLaren MCL60 and AlphaTauri AT04 from the track.
Concerns arose when reports indicated that Daniel Ricciardo was taken to the medical center following the crash. Onboard footage revealed that he had insufficient time to retract his right hand from the steering wheel before colliding with the race wall. This incident emphasized the demanding nature of Formula 1 and the split-second decisions that drivers must make to ensure their safety.
In the aftermath of these disruptions, the remainder of the session progressed smoothly. Drivers and teams capitalized on the opportunity to conduct various tests and fuel runs, refining their setups and fine-tuning their race strategies. This productive phase of the session bodes well for the upcoming third and final practice session scheduled for tomorrow morning.
