F1: Lando Norris shines in Free Practice 2 at Las Vegas, then manhole stops everyone

Lando Norris is confirmed as the fastest on the track again in Las Vegas. The’current leader of the World Drivers’ Championship, rather overshadowed in Free Practice 1 (best time for Charles Leclerc), showed all the speed of his McLaren in Free Practice 2, stopping the clock on a time of 1’33″602.

Behind him was an excellent Kimi Antonelli. The Italian Mercedes star finished with the second fastest time, just 29 thousandths behind Lando Norris. Good feelings also for Charles Leclerc, who set the third fastest time, 161 thousandths behind. However, the Monegasque’s Ferrari stalled on the track at the end of the session. It is likely to be a gearbox problem, as suggested, via radio, by Charles Leclerc himself.

Lewis Hamilton finished tenth but seemed to have a good feeling with his SF-25. The seven-time World Champion, like other drivers, was unable to test his single-seater at its best due to the lifting of a manhole cover on the track, which led the marshals to close Free Practice 2 prematurely.

The most penalized by the manhole problem was definitely Max Verstappen. The Red Bull Dutchman was about to turn up the engine revs but was blocked at the best of times. Of note was Nico Hulkenberg’s excellent fourth time in the Kick Sauber.