FP2: Vettel ahead as Mercedes lose edge

F1 Grand Prix, GP Mexico, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was the fastest man in the afternoon session at Mexico, setting the fastest time in a session that saw the top 10 spread by nearly a full second.

After the damp start in first practice, the clean - but not so grippy - track greeted drivers at the start of the afternoon session was a very welcome situation and the beginning of a productive 90 minute of running.

The Alfa Romeo drivers were first out on track, but they were soon toppled by Lando Norris who followed them out, and was quicker on his first lap.

With grip at a premium, many drivers had moments off the track, just like in first practice. And yet again, one driver didn't manage to keep it out of the barriers, with this time Alexander Albon sliding off the track at Turn 7. After he nearly caught the oversteer through the corner, he slid sideways into the tyre barrier, damaging the right hand side of his car.

Charles Leclerc was better off as he was able to carry on after a spin at Turn 1. Vettel was also repeatedly seen cutting some grass, and Bottas escaped from a spin through Turn 11.

Bottas still ended the session 4th quickest, topping his Mercedes team mate.

Behind them, Toro Rosso continued to impress with Kvyat and Gasly going 6th and 7th respectively. They were followed by a trio of Renault-powered drivers, including Sainz, Hulkenberg and Norris.

The Alfas dropped down the pecking order compared to the morning session, just like both Haas drivers as they struggled more than others for grip. At Williams, both drivers were fairly evenly matched, but it was again Russell who was the faster of the two.

Alexander Albon ended up 20th, having completed only 5 laps before his crash.