Did Lando Norris Outperform Leclerc and Sainz in Monza's Second Practice?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix, Lando Norris showcased his extraordinary speed, surpassing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Williams' Carlos Sainz. Amidst intense competition and moments of drama, the drivers battled for the top times, setting the stage for a thrilling race weekend ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Lando Norris showcased impressive speed in Monza.
- Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were strong contenders.
- Several incidents caused interruptions during the session.
- Drivers experimented with various tyre compounds.
- The upcoming race promises intense competition.
Monza (Italy), Sep 5 (NationPress) Lando Norris exhibited exceptional speed as he clinched the top spot in the timesheets during the second free practice session for the Italian Grand Prix on Friday, outpacing Charles Leclerc from Ferrari and Carlos Sainz from Williams.
Lewis Hamilton finished fifth, trailing behind Oscar Piastri as Norris led the field.
All 20 cars swiftly exited their garages when the green light illuminated at the end of the pit lane, with Piastri reclaiming his McLaren from F2 driver Alex Dunne and Franco Colapinto taking back his Alpine from reserve driver Paul Aron following their FP1 experiences.
Despite suffering a cracked mirror, Piastri recorded the fastest time in the early moments with a 1m 21.212s, only for his teammate Norris, who also lost a mirror, to surpass it with a 1m 21.012s – both initially utilizing medium tyres.
Subsequent drama unfolded when Alpine's Pierre Gasly misjudged the entrance to the Ascari chicane, skidding through the gravel and scattering debris across the track. This was compounded when Antonelli lost control of his Mercedes at the exit of Lesmo 2 and crashed, prompting a red flag.
A brief interruption ensued while marshals cleared Antonelli's vehicle, allowing McLaren to perform minor mirror repairs on Piastri and Norris' cars. With 45 minutes remaining on the FP2 clock, Race Control announced that the circuit was clear once again.
Further sessions on Pirelli's medium and hard compound tyres ignited a series of changes at the top of the standings – Leclerc clocking in at 1m 20.937s, Max Verstappen achieving a 1m 20.710s, and Sainz hitting a 1m 20.583s.
Midway through the session, drivers transitioned to soft tyres, with Norris setting a new pace of 1m 19.878s, despite having to abandon his initial lap on the red-marked tyres after an incident at the Roggia chicane.
Leclerc and Verstappen faced their own challenges on the soft rubber; Leclerc went wide at Lesmo 2 and lamented having “no grip at all – like zero”; while Verstappen described his car as becoming “really jumpy” and “really nervous on every little bump.”
Point of View
I observe the thrilling dynamics of Formula 1. The second practice at Monza was a testament to the intense competition among the drivers. Lando Norris' performance not only highlights his growing prowess but also sets an exciting stage for the upcoming race. With such close times from leading contenders, the Italian Grand Prix promises to be a spectacle for fans and a test of skill for the drivers.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who topped the timesheets in the second practice at Monza?
Lando Norris topped the timesheets during the second practice session for the Italian Grand Prix.
What issues did the drivers face during the practice?
Drivers experienced various issues, including grip problems and incidents that caused red flags, disrupting the session.
How did the session unfold in terms of speed?
The session saw multiple drivers setting quick times, with Norris ultimately achieving the fastest lap.
