(Zandvoort) Lando Norris (McLaren) set the fastest time in the second free practice session of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix ahead of Max Verstappen (Red Bull) on Friday at the Zandvoort circuit (4.259 km).

On a dry track, as in the first session at midday, the Briton narrowly edged out the local hero, who had to settle for second place at 23 thousandths, while the Thai Alex Albon (Williams), already at ease on Friday noon, took a surprising third place at 269 thousandths.

The seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finished at the foot of the podium, ahead of the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) and the Frenchman Pierre Gasly (Alpine), who did much better than his teammate and compatriot Esteban Ocon (13th).

Mexican Sergio Pérez is in seventh position at the wheel of the second Red Bull, ahead of Canadian Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) and Finn Valtteri Bottas (Alfa-Romeo). The Spaniard Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), second Friday noon, had to settle for tenth place this time.

Ferraris struggled as Monegasque Charles Leclerc and Spaniard Carlos Sainz set 11th and 16th times respectively.

The tests were interrupted by a red flag for a few minutes at the start of the session after the accidents of the two Australians Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTauri) occurred in quick succession in the same bend.

A third and final free practice session is scheduled for Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in order to perfect the settings of the single-seaters before qualifying, which will begin at 3 p.m.