Belgian Grand Prix – Free Practice 2: Verstappen asserts his authority

The sun gave way to the clouds for the second free practice session of the day. So the drivers were gradually getting back into their routine, having to drive on a wet track in some places.

Unsatisfied with his morning, Landos Norris was the first to hit the wet track. For nearly ten minutes, the driver took advantage of being alone to set a first time: 1.48.219. A time far from the best lap set by Bottas during the first session (1.45.199). As the asphalt dried, the other drivers started to leave the paddock to do a few laps on different tires.

Tipped to join Alfa Romeo next year, Valtteri Bottas felt liberated behind the wheel of his Mercedes. The Finn was putting together the three sectors and at the same time set the fastest time of the session with a 1:44.513 on the red compound. He was then beating his Friday morning time. He was followed by his teammate, who struggled a bit during this session, trailing by 31 tenths.

Please note that F1 offered viewers a lap with a camera inside Alonso’s helmet. The result is impressive.

Shot of the day 📸#BelgianGP 🇧🇪 @alo_oficial pic.twitter.com/kR4lrjqua2

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 27, 2021

As the sun made its appearance on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Max Verstappen regained the lead of this second session with a time of 1.44.472. The two Mercedes completed the podium.

With 20 minutes to go in the session, Esteban Ocon spun at the corner, without consequence on his car, except for the tires. Five minutes later, Charles Leclerc’s accident caused the first red flag of the weekend. Almost at the same place where he had a scare that same morning, the Monegasque lost control of his single-seater upon acceleration. The Ferrari driver had almost saved it, but the speed was too high.

🚩 RED FLAG 🚩

Leclerc goes into the barriers coming out of Turn 6 💥

He’s out of the car 👍#BelgianGP 🇧🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/WYerZJkoEC

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 27, 2021

While the security men were evacuating Leclerc’s car, the other drivers were returning to the pits before starting the last ten minutes. At the end of the session, Verstappen lost the rear of his car, hitting the wall violently. The Dutchman couldn’t get back on the track, a second flag was raised, definitively stopping the session after this new accident. The Red Bull driver then retained the best time of the free practice, ahead of the two Mercedes drivers.

Max is ok, but his car has been quite badly damaged by the look of things

The session will not restart#BelgianGP 🇧🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/EvYPqfZ5A6

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 27, 2021

The classification of Free Practice 2.