FP2 Netherlands result: Lightning-fast Russell sets fastest time, Verstappen fifth

The first day of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend has already become a reality. On the track in Zandvoort, the fastest time has just been set by George Russell in the second free practice. This time the second fastest time was set by Oscar Piastri, while Lewis Hamilton completed the top three. Max Verstappen set the fifth fastest time.

In contrast to the first practice session earlier today, it was now dry at Zandvoort. The sun was shining, but the wind had not yet died down. This did not matter to the teams and drivers, who took to the track en masse in the first few minutes of the session.

The 20 drivers took to the track, led by Pierre Gasly. Max Verstappen started well, and was cheered by the crowd for the fastest time. The soft tyres had not yet been used, but the crowd loved having Verstappen's name at the top of the timesheets in the first few minutes.

Moments

Verstappen, however, had a rough time. He had a moment, and declared he would go straight back to the box. His Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez had a tough time, hitting the gravel at Tarzan corner. George Russell also went off the track. The Mercedes driver braked during a fast lap. He told his team he thought it was strange.

holkenburg

The Tarzan corner remained a big challenge for the drivers. In the first free practice, several men had already passed the gravel trap, but now for the first time things went wrong. Nico Hulkenberg lost control and stuck his Haas in the wall. He didn’t know what was happening exactly, and returned to his team in a daze. After a short red light, the session continued.

The code is red

After the red flag it was the turn of the red tyres. The drivers started their light runs with interesting results. George Russell set fast times, but the McLarens and Lewis Hamilton were not much slower. Home driver Max Verstappen also found himself at the top of the times list. The red Ferrari of Carlos Sainz was unable to join the fray, as the car was suffering from gearbox problems.

Charles Leclerc couldn't bring Ferrari any luck either. Monaco fell behind the competition. After the light laps, he wasn't even the fastest Ferrari-powered driver. Haas' Kevin Magnussen was slightly quicker.