The Dutchman sends a clear message to McLaren for the title fight: Norris fourth time, only 12th place. Positive signals from the two Ferraris
Verstappen is back: the Dutchman is the fastest in free practice two of the Mexican GP. Max, absent in FP1 after handing over his Red Bull to Arvid Lindblad, took little time to return to the top of the rankings, a sign of a true state of grace for the world champion. Behind him is Leclerc’s Ferrari, fast and convincing even in its race pace. Third was Kimi Antonelli, author of a good Friday with his Mercedes ahead of Norris’ McLaren, very fast in the race pace. Lewis Hamilton’s red car was fifth. The world championship leader, Oscar Piastri, was only twelfth.
FLY MAX, FERRARI GOOD
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The Mexican GP is a Friday with close values, with the first six positions contained within just four tenths. In front is Verstappen’s Red Bull, updated on the bottom and very fast in the third sector, the most driven. But FP2 confirms the impressions of an improving Ferrari. The redhead left Austin with confidence, and even in Mexico, where she took her last victory last year, she seems to be able to fight for the leading positions. The SF-25 is well balanced and Leclerc’s second time confirms a good speed on the flying lap, also favored by a more “pushed” engine mapping compared to his rivals. It is difficult to say the same, for now, about Oscar Piastri. The world championship leader, author of the twelfth time, seemed to be in difficulty again and is called to make a prompt recovery in view of the qualifying session, which promises to be decisive given the gaps.
THE RACE PACE
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If Lando Norris’ McLaren simulation were at the same fuel load as its rivals, it would almost be worth betting on him to win on Sunday. And in fact the Englishman is the fastest in the final phase of FP2, dedicated by almost all the top riders to the usual long runs. Leclerc also quickly noticed it, fast and rather constant with his Ferrari but convinced that “McLaren is on another planet”. True, but not with Piastri. The Australian is almost a second slower than his teammate, confirming the moment of suffering. Woe betide you if you exclude Max Verstappen from the favourites. The Dutchman, after the best time, did not seem as fit in the race simulation, probably influenced by a conservative choice in terms of engine mapping.
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