Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP2 Results

The UAE dusk welcomed the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP2 session where Valtteri remained on top despite a wreck with Grosjean followed closely by Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc finished the session P3 for Ferrari.

While FP1 was good for testing and data collection, FP2 was vital for the teams to understand their pace. And that’s where Mercedes shined, in particular Lewis Hamilton.

The 6x world champion was about half a second quicker than Max Verstappen on long run simulations on the medium compound. The fact that Max is so close could be good news if that’s all Mercedes has with their engines turned up. The bad news is, that’s likely not the case. So the dutchman appears to be in the fight, but Hamilton’s W10 looks mighty quick on pace, as per usual. Here are the average long-run pace simulations on medium tyres:

• Hamilton: 1:42.6
• Verstappen: 1:43.1
• Leclerc: 1:43.2
• Bottas: 1:43.2

Although Bottas held the top time of the session stemming from his qualifying simulation, he fell to third on the long-pace averages. Mind you, Bottas will start from the back of the grid thanks to his grid penalty we told you about earlier this week. With that in mind, his pace was likely focused on a different program than the leaders starting at the top. Overall, it was a good session for Valtteri. Disaster (Grosjean) struck with about 20 minutes left. The two collided in turn 11 in just what can be described as join stupidity. This was no love tap, either.

The red flags came out and that was it for Valtteri. For him, it’s no harm done considering he’s headed to the back. Grosjean however, finished P7 and his experimental set up he requested seemed to have been working. It’s likely he’ll be fine for FP3 but the incident just is going to set his garage back as they need to work within working the curfew window.

The Ferrari’s finish together P3 and P4 with Leclerc leading his teammate. Charles had a dodgy moment at turn 19 as well almost putting his car into the way similar to Vettel. The sausage kerb of 19 is something to keep an eye on as I’ll point out in the FP2 onboard video. Turn 19 seems to have an effect on the entire Scuderia operation as Antonio Giovinazzi has a spin of his own, but recovers.

Verstappen and Albon finish about a half a second apart in 5th and 6th. Albon will need to up his pace to put the pressure on Verstappen who had his qualifying sim comprised by his own mistake. I suspect Verstappen’s race and and quali pace are deflated. I wouldn’t be surprised seeing him on pole.