In the second free practice session at the Canadian Grand Prix, Formula 1 points leader Max Verstappen faced early setbacks as his Red Bull machine emitted smoke due to a battery issue, forcing him to return to the garage after just four laps. Verstappen expressed his disappointment at the situation but emphasized the importance of understanding the implications for the weekend and the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso showcased his prowess by clocking the fastest lap of 1 minute, 15.810 seconds. George Russell of Mercedes secured the second spot with a time of 1:16.273, followed by Lance Stroll of Aston Martin at 1:16.464, representing the sole Canadian driver in the field.
Alonso acknowledged the challenging conditions of the day, noting that the unpredictable weather could play a crucial role in decision-making during qualifying and the race. McLaren's Lando Norris and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc also made notable performances during the practice sessions.
The day began with adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, lightning, and hail, which delayed the initial practice session. Spectators were temporarily evacuated from the grandstands, and access to Notre Dame Island was restricted by authorities. Despite the stormy weather, the site was eventually reopened, allowing the practice session to proceed.
However, the wet track posed challenges for the drivers, with several incidents occurring during the session. Zhou Guanyu triggered a red flag after aquaplaning and hitting the wall, while other drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll also struggled to maintain control on the slippery surface.
As more rain is forecasted for the weekend, teams and drivers are preparing for further unpredictable conditions during qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday. The Canadian Grand Prix promises to be an exciting and challenging event for all participants.
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