Leclerc leads Hadjar and Norris in Bahrain GP second practice at Sepang
Leclerc sets the benchmark as rain threat shapes FP2
Charles Leclerc finished fastest in second practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, leading Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar and McLaren’s Lando Norris at Sepang. Leclerc’s best lap of 1:37.528 remained unbeaten, with Hadjar just 0.099 seconds behind and Norris 0.137 seconds off the Ferrari driver’s pace.
Dark clouds and a forecast that gave rain a 90 per cent chance prompted most of the field to take to the circuit soon after the session began. Drivers initially split between medium and soft tyres, with several switching to the soft compound as they sought to set representative fast laps.
Verstappen fourth after staying on mediums
Max Verstappen had set an early benchmark, but the Red Bull driver ended the session fourth after remaining on medium tyres and sitting out the closing stages in the garage. Hadjar moved ahead of him to take second. Lewis Hamilton was fifth, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly.
Hamilton was involved in a close moment with Gabriel Bortoleto, who had to take avoiding action after finding the Ferrari moving slowly on the racing line. The stewards noted the incident, and Hamilton was due to be investigated after the session for alleged impeding. Hamilton also reported that he could not “see through my right mirror”.
Bortoleto stoppage brings out Virtual Safety Car
Bortoleto later asked Audi to check his car’s floor after running wide while battling Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad. With two minutes remaining, he stopped at the side of the track and got out of the car, prompting yellow flags and a Virtual Safety Car.
Lindblad finished 11th, ahead of Bortoleto, Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman, Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Franco Colapinto.
Teams will review Friday’s data before returning for third practice on Saturday at 12:30 local time. Qualifying is scheduled for 16:00.