As the sun set over Yas Marina Circuit, the Formula 1 drivers returned for the second practice session. For six of them – Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Oscar Piastri, Lance Stroll, Yuki Tsunoda, and Alex Albon – it was their first time back on track after the rookie drivers had taken over in FP1.

This session was crucial for the teams to gather as much data as possible, as it represents similar conditions drivers will face during Sunday’s race.

Ferrari had a lot to do after Charles Leclerc received a 10-place grid penalty for using too many energy stores. Both Scuderia drivers were quick to hit the track, but McLaren’s Lando Norris set the early pace on medium tyres.

The Briton stayed ahead of the Ferraris, while George Russell reported too high temperature in his cockpit, on top of problems with vibrations, and Verstappen struggled with understeer and power issues. 

Williams also faced issues. Franco Colapinto damaged his car by hitting a kerb, and Alex Albon had to return to the pits with smoking brakes. 

Meanwhile, the battle between Ferrari and McLaren heated up, with Norris, Sainz, and Piastri fighting for the top spots. Norris pushed harder and clocked a fast lap of 1:24.3, staying ahead of Sainz by two-tenths of a second.

McLaren looked strong, holding the top two places, while Leclerc and Sainz couldn’t keep up on soft tyres. Red Bull surprisingly struggled, with Verstappen finishing 17th and Perez in 14th.

At the end, Norris remained on top with a 1:23.517, followed by teammate Piastri in second. Nico Hulkenberg was a surprise in third for Haas. Carlos Sainz finished fourth, followed by Lewis Hamilton who completed the top five.