Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel moved ahead during second practice for Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix on Friday afternoon.
Vettel had been a subdued sixth in the morning session, in which reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton set the pace, but the Ferrari driver went quickest as drivers carried out qualifying simulations.
Vettel’s time of 1:16.607 left him 0.115s of two-time Mexico victor Max Verstappen, who was the sole Red Bull representative after Alexander Albon’s early crash.
Albon lost control through Turn 8 and sustained front-left damage to the RB15, causing the session to be halted, and leaving him on the sidelines after just four laps.
Charles Leclerc was third-fastest for Ferrari, 0.465s behind Vettel, having survived a couple of scares during the session, spinning under braking for Turn 1 before having a wild high-speed moment through the Esses late on.
Mercedes finished a low-key fourth and fifth, with early spinner Valtteri Bottas in front of Hamilton, who faced a near-second deficit to pacesetter Vettel.
Toro Rosso built on its strong morning pace by classifying sixth and seventh, Daniil Kvyat ahead of Pierre Gasly, relegating recent midfield leader Carlos Sainz Jr. to eighth.
Nico Hulkenberg classified ninth for Renault, ahead of Lando Norris, with Racing Point pair Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez narrowly missing out on the top 10.
Daniel Ricciardo again trailed team-mate Hulkenberg as he took 13th, while Alfa Romeo and Haas brought up the rear of the midfield.
Williams finished off the pace, George Russell two-tenths clear of Robert Kubica, who returned to action after sitting out FP1.
Formula 1 action will resume on Saturday with final practice and qualifying.
