Carlos Sainz with "Ferrari" gave the best time in the second free practice before the Grand Prix of Mexico, the 20th round of the Formula 1 season, BTA reports. He recorded a 1:17.699 minute ahead of Oscar Piastri with the "McLaren" and Yuki Tsunoda with "RB Honda". The driver of the "Mercedes" George Russell crashed heavily after his car spun and flew off the track at Turn 9, crashing into the guardrails. Russell escaped without serious injuries.
Three-time world champion Max Verstappen with "Red Bull" did not participate in the session due to an engine problem. He continues to lead the general classification by 57 points ahead of challenger Lando Norris with McLaren, who set the fifth time in the second session. The Dutchman has won five of the last six races in Mexico but is currently on a nine-game losing streak.
"This noise is very disturbing, this cannot be normal,", Verstappen commented on the noise coming from his engine as he took to the track. This problem prevented him from recording a time.
Alexander Albon missed second practice session after colliding with Ferrari reserve Oliver Bierman and dropped out of the first practice session, leaving the mechanics of the "Williams" with a lot of work.
The second session was extended to an hour and a half to allow the teams to test the tires developed by Pirelli. Later tonight is the third free practice and qualifying for a place at the Mexican Grand Prix.