George Russell kept the best time after the 2nd free practice session of the Sakhir Grand Prix, 16th round of the Formula 1 World Championship, Friday in Bahrain. The Briton, who has been driving for Williams since 2019, was called on Wednesday to replace the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is positive for Covid-19, for Mercedes. During free practice 2 on the short and fast outer track of the Sakhir circuit (3.543 km), the 22-year-old pilot clocked 54 sec 713/1000. In front of him, the time of the holder of Mercedes Valtteri Bottas (11th in 55 sec 321/1000) is however to be put into perspective. The Finn turned in 54 sec 506/1000 but saw his time canceled for going out of bounds. The Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull), the Mexican Sergio Pérez (Racing Point), the French Esteban Ocon (Renault) and the Thai Alexander Albon (Red Bull) close the top 5 of the evening session. The Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), he was able to complete only two laps, no timed, betrayed by the broken transmission shaft of his single-seater. Free practice 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. (French time) on Saturday.
2nd free trial session :
1. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 54.713 (48 tours)
2. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull-Honda) 54.841 (43)
3. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Racing Point-Mercedes) 54.866 (52)
4. Esteban Ocon (FRA / Renault) 54,940 (50)
5. Alexander Albon (THA/Red Bull-Honda) 55.036 (42)
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8. Pierre Gasly (FRA / AlphaTauri-Honda) 55.133 (48)
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