Second free practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix showcased two clear leads: Max Verstappen topped the times again as the day closed at the Autódromo de los Hermanos Rodríguez with a best of 1.18.686 in the afternoon, while rain sporadically disrupted running and added an extra layer of challenge to the session. The overall mood hinted at a weekend that could hinge on weather and strategy, with Alonso and his Aston Martin a focal point for teams and fans alike.
AMR23 seems to be under control. Fernando Alonso demonstrated his renowned skill by keeping the car composed despite the unsettled conditions, flashing moments of precision that reminded observers of his sharp pace and racecraft. The driver and his team navigated the tricky surface, balancing risk and performance as the track evolved through the afternoon.
These hands are MAGIC—Fernando Alonso again showed mastery as he helped optimize Aston Martin’s setup, even when the environment demanded extra caution. The moment captured resonated across social feeds and highlighted the Spaniard’s ongoing commitment to extracting performance from his machinery in Mexico, a crucial test of the season.
Further on the track, Verstappen appeared unfazed by changing weather, repeatedly posting the fastest laps across different conditions and tire compounds. He, along with teams choosing from the provided test compounds, indicated a strategic emphasis on understanding the tires under diverse rain scenarios and heat cycles. The Dutch driver set pace in both dry and damp segments, signaling readiness for what could be a decisive qualifying session.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez, Mexico’s hometown hero, delivered a strong performance in the morning by finishing third, just two tenths behind the benchmark. In the afternoon he settled a touch further back, around three tenths off the pace, but fans kept the circuit buzzing with chants and cheers that made the stands feel like a national celebration for the local favorite.
Fernando Alonso continued his work to fine tune the upgrades Aston Martin introduced in Austin. The day produced a few unsettling moments for the Spaniard, who ultimately ended the session toward the back of the field, finishing 20th. He exited the track after a potential impact, emphasizing the fragile balance between speed and reliability in the evolving setup.
Carlos Sainz faced a tougher outing than expected, despite arriving in Mexico feeling physically ready. The Spaniard could not match the pace set by his teammate and ended the day in 11th, noticeably behind Leclerc, Verstappen, and Norris who occupied the upper portions of the timing sheets. The session reflected the challenge of dialing in the car for high-speed corners and the need for consistency across both long runs and short accelerations.
Overall, the practice day painted a picture of a Grand Prix weekend where weather swing and tire psychology will play pivotal roles. Teams will scrutinize sectoral data and pit strategies as they prepare for the next round of sessions, aiming to translate on-track momentum into a strong qualifying performance. The Mexican crowd offered a vivid reminder of the sport’s regional passion, turning the weekend into a lively showcase of speed, engineering prowess, and national pride. In this environment, Verstappen and Perez represent the dynamics of a home track contest, while Alonso and Sainz provide counterpoints that keep the field’s narrative rich and unpredictable.
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