Red flags also disrupt the second free practice in Zandvoort and Hamilton drops out
“Stop, stop, stop,” is the reply from the pit lane in response to Hamilton as soon as the driver reports that he is missing power. Hamilton stops his Mercedes on the track and the engine noise is immediately replaced by cheers from the Dutch fans. Within a few minutes a red flag appears again during a free practice in the Netherlands. This time the indicator on the F1 car shows that it is safe to touch the car and the car can be taken off the track.
The session goes smoothly
In the 2nd free practice of the GP of the Netherlands, the lap times drop quickly. In this training, teams want to run some qualifying simulations, so that they can set the fastest possible time tomorrow. Qualifying is crucial at Circuit Zandvoort, because there are few overtaking opportunities. About halfway through the workout, the times are already a second below those of the previous workout.
Mazespin interrupt Max .’s fast lap
When half the training is over, Nikita Mazepin decides to take a closer look at the sandbox. This happens exactly when Verstappen just wants to pick up some pace after his out-lap. Once again the red flags are brought out. At that time, Verstappen is fifth, behind Gasly, Alonso, Bottas and Ocon. Fortunately, this red flag does not last very long and the remaining drivers can take to the track.
Red Bull has run out of time to make a lap with little fuel. That means that Verstappen can no longer set an all-destroying time. Leclerc thus remains at the top of the list, with Sainz below. Ocon and Bottas are ahead of Verstappen, who is himself in fifth place. At the end of the session, Mercedes reports that Lewis’s engine had a problem with the oil system. It is not yet known whether the engine can be repaired.
2nd free practice of the GP of the Netherlands 2021
01. Leclerc
02. Sainz
03. Ocon
04. Bottas
05. Verstappen
Dates and times of the GP of the Netherlands 2021
Saturday September 4, 2021
3rd free practice: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Qualification: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sunday September 5, 2021
Race: 3:00 PM
