FP2 result in Saudi Arabia: Alonso fastest in chaotic practice, Verstappen only third

The first day of the Saudi race weekend is real. The second free practice session was held under artificial lights in Jeddah, with Fernando Alonso setting the fastest time. Behind him, George Russell set the second fastest time, and Max Verstappen completed the top three.

After a ten-minute delay, free practice began in Jeddah. Race management did not announce what happened, but according to the Haas team and German media, the manhole cover was loose. This well-known issue has already been causing problems in recent weeks. After the delay, almost everyone immediately got back on track.

Oscar Piastri started the ball and George Russell waited a little longer before heading to the field. Valtteri Bottas was able to turn his car at that moment because it was spinning. The Finnish Sauber driver made a simple mistake that led to a spin. He can continue his path on Saudi asphalt.

Logan Sargeant almost couldn't do that anymore, because he ran into traffic on a blind turn. Lewis Hamilton had not heard anything from his engineer about approaching traffic, so it was fortunate for him that Sargent was able to avoid it. Hamilton may inform the stewards. Not long ago, Russell was also involved in such an incident, but it was not as serious as it was here.

The fast times blew the minds of the spectators in this training session. On the fast track, several drivers posted purple sector times. Fernando Alonso struck first and set the fastest time in his Aston Martin. Max Verstappen came very close. On a lap free of traffic, Russell also managed to set a lap time faster than Verstappen's. Hamilton finished the practice on a low note. He stated that he ran out of power and sent his car into the pit lane.