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McLaren showcased formidable pace during Free Practice 2 (FP2) at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, securing the top two positions under the Sakhir floodlights. Oscar Piastri led the session with a lap time of 1:30.505, narrowly edging out teammate Lando Norris by 0.154 seconds .
Mercedes’ George Russell secured third place with a time of 1:31.032, followed closely by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at 1:31.045. Rookie Kimi Antonelli impressed by placing fifth for Mercedes, clocking in at 1:31.227. Isack Hadjar continued his strong performance for Racing Bulls, securing sixth with a time of 1:31.238. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen faced challenges, finishing seventh at 1:31.330, citing grip issues and strategic differences .
The session experienced a brief scare when Fernando Alonso’s steering wheel detached mid-session; however, he managed to return safely to the pits. Additionally, Williams received a €7,500 fine following a near-collision between rookie Luke Browning and Alex Albon, attributed to a miscommunication on track .
McLaren’s dominant performance in FP2, building on recent victories in Australia and China, positions them as strong contenders for the weekend. Team Principal Andrea Stella emphasized the importance of allowing both drivers to compete freely, believing their rivalry enhances overall performance .
