US Grand Prix Free Practice 2 Wrap-up: Perez Excels, Verstappen Fumes

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez logged the fastest official lap time in Free Practice #2 at the US Grand Prix while teammate Max Verstappen sputtered in eighth position.  McLaren’s Lando Norris was a full quarter of a second behind to claim P2. 

POSITION    DRIVER / TEAM                                          TIME

1                         Sergio PEREZ Red Bull Racing         1:34.946

2                        Lando NORRIS McLaren                       +0.257s

3                        Lewis HAMILTON Mercedes              +0.364s

4                        Valtteri BOTTAS Mercedes                +0.414s

5                         Daniel RICCIARDO McLaren            +0.511s

The tension between Verstappen and Hamilton was palpable in session. Verstappen lost his cool with ten minutes remaining as both drivers exited Turn 1 and Hamilton accelerated beyond the Dutchman.  Verstappen’s temper flared, calling Hamilton a “stupid idiot” and giving the Brit the one-figure salute.  

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) claimed the third fastest session time following +0.364 seconds off the pace. Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas finished behind Hamilton at +0.414 seconds. 

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo rounded out the top five session times.  Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll followed a tenth of a second behind to claim P6. 

Ferrari teammates Chalres LeClerc and Carlos Sainz claimed the seventh and ninth spots, respectively.  And Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi closed out the top ten finishers.