P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Pirelli taking over Formula 1’s second practice session means its more secretive than ever. But it’s still possible to derive some pecking order clues as Mark Hughes explains…
The extended FP2 session served as a tyre test for the ’25-spec F1 Pirellis, following a specific run plan outlined by Pirelli. Drivers conducted back-to-back laps on a control tyre and a ’25 equivalent, as well as 10-lap long-runs with different fuel loads for comparison. Only drivers whose cars were used by third drivers in FP1 could use part of their standard allocation after completing the Pirelli tasks. However, due to interruptions like a red flag caused by George Russell’s crash, time for set-up work was limited. Teams used various tyre compounds, with notable performances from drivers like Carlos Sainz and Tsunoda on different specifications. Despite challenges, teams look to FP3 for more meaningful running as they analyze data from the tyre testing session in FP2, and cope with issues like Max Verstappen’s power unit problem affecting his performance.
