Dutch GP: Lewis Hamilton loses second power problem, Charles Leclerc fastest

F1’s long-awaited return to Zandvoort stops on Friday and Lewis Hamilton completes only three laps in the afternoon practice and only 20 laps throughout the day; Ferrari is making an impressive start as Mercedes and Red Bull are among the top three on the P2 schedule

Lewis Hamilton lost most of his second practice at the Dutch GP after an electrical problem stopped Mercedes on his track when Charles Leclerc led a surprise in Ferrari’s one-two afternoon practice.

Hamilton, the three-point championship leader, was in his third lap when he reported a loss of power from his Mercedes engine and was ordered to turn off the car. Over the weekend, when champion Max Verstappen receives huge support at the first Dutch GP in 36 years, local fans encouraged the death of the Hamilton session.

After the world champion was pushed aside for an hour, the workload of Mercedes’ afternoon training rested with Valtteri Bottas and the Finn made the fourth fastest 33 laps.

The second ticket to this session came from the courtesy of Nikita Mazepin Haas

This brought Mercedes Red Bull ahead of Verstappen, but what would have been the best soft tire lap for the Dutchman was jeopardized with another red flag when Nikita Mazepin spun Haas in gravel.

Both sessions of the day were jeopardized by red flags, making a concrete picture of the race order more difficult to assemble than usual, but Ferrari no doubt showed promise.

Leclerc set the best time of the day at 1: 10.902, which was a tenth ahead of his teammate Sainz. Esteban Ocon was Alpine third.

“Ferrari looked hooked there,” said Sky F1’s Karun Chandhok, who watched the session by the track.

– I have to say that Red Bull didn’t look so good in a soft tire.

“But the big story has to be Lewis. On a day and track where we know they just have to do laps, he hasn’t had that chance.”

More to follow…