The Mercedes cars were the fastest on Friday at the Montreal circuit during the second free practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton edged out George Russell.
The drivers were able to take part in a real free practice session on Friday at the Montreal circuit, which will host the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday. Earlier in the day, EL1 was halted after just a few minutes, due to a problem with the surveillance cameras.
EL2, on the other hand, went ahead and was even extended by 30 minutes. Mercedes were the fastest cars in the session. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time (1’13”718), ahead of team-mate George Russell (+0”027).
Also read: PSG: Surprise, Qatar wants to destroy Mbappé’s plan
The Ferraris of Carlos Sainz (+0”126) and Charles Leclerc (+0”376) took third and fifth places, and Fernando Alonso, at the wheel of his Aston Martin, slipped in between the two Scuderia cars (+0”326). Max Verstappen (Red Bull), the two-time reigning world champion, was sixth (+0”424), while team-mate Sergio Perez finished two places lower (+0”532).
Red flag for Hülkenberg and Ocon
On the Alpine side, Pierre Gasly, who had caused a red flag in EL1 after a mechanical problem, finished 10th this time (+0”759). Esteban Ocon also brought out a red flag, when his single-seater came to a standstill at the side of the track, with 45 minutes to go in the session. He could do no better than 18th (+1”374).
Earlier, Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) had to interrupt his session after his single-seater suffered an engine failure. The end of the ELA was marked by a torrential downpour. Saturday will see the third and final practice session (6:30 p.m. French time), followed by qualifying (10 p.m.).