The second free practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix served as a Pirelli tyre test for 2025, lasting 90 minutes instead of the usual 60.

Except for the five regular race drivers—Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, and Zhou Guanyu—who skipped FP1 to let rookie drivers take the wheel and were allowed 30 minutes of ‘normal’ practice to collect data, Pirelli was the one setting the running plans.

However, they only received 6 minutes instead of the scheduled 30 due to a third red flag caused by a major crash from George Russell at Turn 8.

The session was stopped just 13 minutes in, and it took another 20 minutes to repair the damaged barrier, which undoubtedly frustrated Pirelli.

Russell needed to be taken to the medical centre as he reportedly suffered an impact of 30G and was holding his ribs after jumping out of the cockpit. Mercedes later confirmed that he is okay.

Alex Albon didn’t participate in the test and missed the entire session due to serious damage to his Williams after a heavy and expensive crash in FP1. The team reported that they needed to replace the power unit, gearbox, floor, and several other components.

Pierre Gasly was fighting with his Alpine, making a trip off the track to cut some grass, while his teammate Esteban Ocon reported a burning smell from his car.

Likewise, Guanyu Zhou was also reporting similar issues on top of some power unit cuts.

Max Verstappen's difficulties continued, with engine problems keeping him out of most of the session and preventing him from setting a time.

The reigning champion tried to do a fast lap just before the end of the session but was immediately called back to the pits by his engineer.

Carlos Sainz was the fastest man in FP2, setting the time of 1:17.699.

Oscar Piastri secured second place for McLaren, while Yuki Tsunoda took third, repeating his position from the first practice session.

Charles Leclerc recorded the fourth fastest time, with Lando Norris finishing just behind him to round out the top five.