Ferrari continue to lead the way in practice as McLaren and Mercedes keep Leclerc under pressure

Ferrari have set the fastest time for a fifth consecutive practice session, once again courtesy of Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque topped the timesheets despite a session that was far from trouble-free.

That also helps explain why Lando Norris and George Russell were only a tenth of a second behind: Leclerc’s qualifying simulation did not go to plan. He made an impressive start on fresh softs, setting two purple sectors, but went off at Turn 12. His second attempt went even worse, as he locked up at the very first corner. His eventual best time therefore came on a well-used set of soft tyres.

Lando Norris feels he could take the fight to Ferrari. During second practice, he asked his engineer how he compared with Leclerc’s times. The defending champion sat out first practice, so in theory he should have more room for improvement than the well-sorted Ferrari.

George Russell was just three thousandths of a second behind Norris. An intriguing battle for pole position appears to be in prospect, and Kimi Antonelli will certainly want to be part of it. Celebrating his title with a victory would be a fitting way to round off a successful season.

Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen provided some unexpected drama in second practice. The pair collided during the session, despite being almost team-mates. Verstappen tried to pass Lawson at Turn 12, but the Racing Bulls driver refused to give up the position and remained side by side with Verstappen through the next corner.

There was not enough room for both of them at Turn 14, however, and they made contact. Debris was left on the track, forcing race control to bring out the red flag. “He just straight up ran into me. Just like he literally does every single weekend!” said Liam Lawson, furious with Max Verstappen. The stewards summoned the Dutchman to a hearing.

Verstappen and Hadjar finished fifth and sixth, ahead of the Racing Bulls drivers, who were split by Pierre Gasly. Oscar Piastri rounded out the top 10.

Lewis Hamilton completed only half of second practice. His power unit began misfiring in the third sector, leaving the seven-time champion without power. His engineers instructed him to park the car to maximise the chances of salvaging the unit. Its fate is currently unknown.