FP2: Mercedes smashes rivals in the second practice

F1 Grand Prix, GP Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit

Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton led the second practice session for the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the Finn having the upper hand over his returning team mate.

Renault had a difficult start to its day as Daniel Ricciardo was forced to park his car after just two laps. With the technical problems being only a minor issue, the team easily found a fix and the Australian could get himself up to speed at the Yas Marina Circuit. Esteban Ocon ended up third fastest, three places ahead of his Perth-born team mate, but the team conceded that the race pace of its car needs to be corrected overnight.

Ferrari found itself in the midfield once again. While Charles Leclerc, who finished in P8, was relatively delighted with the balance of his car, his team mate Sebastian Vettel said that "we have still not managed to get the tyres into the right operating window, especially when it comes to the Softs." The Monegasque will complete the season finale with a special helmet design with which he pays tribute to his four-time world champion team mate.

Alfa Romeo returned to the track with its usual line-up for the second practice after reserve driver Robert Kubica got behind the wheel of the Antonio Giovinazzi's car. The Italian ended up 17th fastest, three places behind his team mate Kimi Räikkönen. The session ended prematurely for the Finn as big flames came out of the back of his car which brought a temporary halt to the practice.

At Haas, things were rather busy today. The day saw Mick Schumacher make his official debut with the American team at a grand prix weekend after his FP1 run at the Eifel Grand Prix was called off due to poor weather conditions. The German's run meant that Kevin Magnussen had to sit out the first practice while Pietro Fittipaldi could continue to get acquainted with the VF-20.