Experienced driver Lewis Hamilton recorded the fastest time in the second free practice session of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, followed by his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Both British drivers benefited from an unusual opportunity to run on soft tires before heavy rain interrupted the session with five minutes to go.
The first practice session was shortened due to a problem with the video surveillance system at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, topped the timesheets with a fastest lap of one minute and 13.718 seconds, beating Russell by just 0.027 seconds.
Hamilton described the track as one of the most challenging in a long time due to its irregular condition. Meanwhile, Alonso and Sainz, Spanish drivers for Aston Martin and Ferrari, respectively, were behind the British on the timesheets.
The session was marked by red flags due to Nico Hülkenberg’s engine failure and Esteban Ocon’s car problems. In addition, heavy rain interrupted the last five minutes.
The drivers will have a third free practice session and qualifying on Saturday before Sunday’s race. The results of the second practice showed Hamilton in first place, followed by Russell and Sainz in third place.