The second free practice for the Canadian Grand Prix ended in disappointment for Max Verstappen. After the first session was largely rained out, he was struck by technical issues late on Friday evening. Due to smoke formation under his RB20, the three-time world champion from Red Bull had to remove his helmet just half an hour into the session. The fastest time was clocked by Fernando Alonso.
With dark clouds looming, the drivers, led by Max Verstappen, were eager to hit the track at the start of the second practice. Especially after the brief first practice earlier on Friday with limited track time, every minute on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit was precious.
After about twenty minutes and several detours through the grass, including those by Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargean, the rain began to fall harder. At that moment, the fastest lap times were held by the Canadian home driver Lance Stroll and his teammate Fernando Alonso.
Rubber Gloves and a Grinder
Midway through the session, Verstappen comes in with smoke emanating from the RB20. In the pit box, the three-time world champion remarkably quickly climbs out of his car, which is then meticulously inspected by the mechanics wearing black rubber gloves. The gloves are intended to prevent the mechanics from getting a shock if the hybrid system and associated battery pack turn out to be defective.
Shortly afterwards, in front of the TV cameras, an old-fashioned grinder has to be used, something you don’t often see in Formula 1, to get the bodywork loose. A little later, Red Bull apparently has had enough of all the cameramen and photographers in front of the pit box. Their view is carefully obscured by Red Bull mechanics…
A Stroke of Luck
While the first session for Verstappen was a washout, the second session largely goes up in smoke. During the repair work, it starts to rain harder, causing all teams to bring their cars in for a while. So not only Verstappen experiences a Friday with little track time in Canada. For him, it’s a stroke of luck.
In the final phase, there is still some action on the wet asphalt of the Gilles Villeneuve circuit. However, there is a lot of irritation among several drivers about the behavior of the Ferraris on the track, who are taking it very easy at certain points on the circuit. This does not lead to any incidents. The session ends with the fastest time for Fernando Alonso, followed by George Russell and Lance Stroll.
The third free practice is scheduled for 12.30 UST on Saturday (note: time is in UST).
