Charles Leclerc set the pace in Practice Two, putting himself just +0.004s ahead of his team-mate Carlos Sainz; watch Practice 3 at 11am on Saturday followed by Qualifying at 2pm, with build-up from 1pm all live on Sky Sports F1
By Megan Wellens and Emma Thurston
Last Updated: 02/09/22 4:34pm
Charles Leclerc set the pace in Practice Two for the Dutch GP as Ferrari edged out Lewis Hamilton, while Max Verstappen’s difficult start to his home Zandvoort weekend continued.
The Oscar Piastri contract decision dominated the early talk of the session, with the Contract Recognition Board unanimously ruling in McLaren and Piastri’s favour, but Leclerc stormed to the front of the pack on track.
Leclerc’s lap of 1:12.345 ensured he topped the timesheet overnight on Friday, followed closely by his team-mate Carlos Sainz (+0.004s), with Ferrari seemingly much more competitive than last weekend in Belgium.
Mercedes also continued to find speed on a more favourable layout with Lewis Hamilton 0.072s back in third and George Russell only three tenths off the pace. McLaren’s Lando Norris split the two Mercedes drivers.
After gearbox issues brought Verstappen’s first practice to a premature end after just 10 minutes, he struggled to find speed on his home track in the second session, finishing eighth.
Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez was unable to get to grips with his RB18 either and ended 12th on the timesheet, giving the team plenty to think about overnight.
Daniel Riccardo’s second practice session was finished 10 minutes early due to an oil leak from the radiator of his car and, a short time later, Yuki Tsunoda’s trip off the track beached his car in the gravel and brought about a red flag.
More to follow….