FP2: Norris edges Verstappen in second practice as Ferrari struggle for pace

F1 Grand Prix, GP Netherlands, Circuit Park Zandvoort

The second practice at the Dutch Grand Prix produced a close fight between different teams with McLaren's Lando Norris coming out on top, beating championship runaway leader Max Verstappen. Williams driver Alexander Albon raised eyebrows by finishing the one-hour session in third place.

Drivers could enjoy stable and dry conditions in the second practice session at Zandvoort with the weather expected to change significantly for the remaining two days of the race weekend.

The practice was interrupted by an early red flag for a bizarre incident that saw McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and AlphaTauri racer Daniel Ricciardo join each other in the barriers at the top of the dramatically-banked Turn 3. Neither of them were able to continue the session as their cars picked up significant damage. Moreover, the eight-time grand prix winner was taken to hospital for further checks on his hand.

While double world champion Max Verstappen dominated the opening one-hour practice, things have changed for the second practice with several teams closing in on the runaway championship leader outfit Red Bull. Among those teams was McLaren with their Bristol-born driver Lando Norris ending the session fastest, pipping Max Verstappen by just 23 thousands of a second.

Williams driver Alexander Albon displayed eye-catching one-lap pace on low fuel, setting the third fastest lap with his car showing particularly encouraging speed in the final part of the track. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton continued to impress, setting the fourth-fastest lap while his team-mate George Russell failed to get into the sharp end of the field, taking only 14th.

Ferrari had another low-key session after the opening practice with Charles Leclerc ending Friday's second outing in P11. His team-mate Carlos Sainz was forced to sit out the first session as his car was piloted by reserve driver Robert Shwartzman. The Spaniard had two dangerous moments, sliding off the track at the chicane and at the final turn, and had to settle for P16.

Following his strong showing in the opening session, Fernadno Alonso took a lowly P10 while his team-mate Lance Stroll finished two places ahead of the Spaniard.