Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Free Practice 2: Max Verstappen takes the lead

The season is coming to an end. But a final Grand Prix weekend that promises to be very interesting. Although the suspense for the world champion and constructor titles is over, there are still some battles in the standings. Charles Leclerc will try to maintain his position as vice-world champion against Sergio Perez. Both drivers are tied in points, while McLaren and Alpine are engaging in an exciting duel in the constructor standings.

Under the setting sun of Abu Dhabi, the second session was very tepid. Traffic was a recurring issue throughout the session, hoping that it won’t happen during the qualifying. The eight drivers who did not participate in the first session were able to complete their first laps on the track. And Max Verstappen wasted no time in setting a benchmark time with the red tires, leaving Ferrari and Mercedes to battle a few tenths behind him.

Traffic troubles for Lewis at Turn 6, who gets stuck behind K-Mag#AbuDhabiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/OHpfC9bArM

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 18, 2022

A end of season hierarchy

Max Verstappen has set the fastest lap time of the session (1’25’146), ahead of George Russell (+0.341″) and Charles Leclerc (+0.453″). In the battle for vice-champion, Sergio Perez only managed to secure 5th place (+0.706″), while Lewis Hamilton positioned himself between the two drivers in 4th place (+0.615″).

On their side, the two Alpine cars have placed themselves (7th and 8th) ahead of McLaren. It remains to be seen if the ranking will be the same at the end of the race on Sunday. A hierarchy that reflects the end of the season. Red Bull still on top, while Mercedes has surpassed Ferrari’s performance.

The ranking of the second session