Alonso sets fastest lap as smoke billows from Verstappen’s car during Canadian GP practice

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso stole the show in the second free practice at the Canadian Grand Prix on Friday, setting the fastest lap time despite tricky conditions at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The Spanish driver clocked in at one minute, 15.810 seconds, showcasing his skill in the rain.

Alonso outpaced Mercedes driver George Russell (1:16.273) and his Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll (1:16.464), who is the only Canadian on the grid. The session was marked by challenging weather conditions, with rain making the track slippery and unpredictable.

However, the session was not without drama as Formula One leader Max Verstappen encountered trouble early on. The Red Bull driver had to return to the garage after just four laps due to smoke emerging from his car. Red Bull later confirmed that the issue was related to a battery problem, forcing Verstappen to end his session prematurely.

Earlier in the day, McLaren’s Lando Norris had set the pace in the first practice session after a heavy downpour delayed the start. Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc followed closely behind Norris, showing strong performance in wet conditions.

The weather continued to play a significant role in the day’s events, with lightning, heavy rain, and even hail hitting Montreal before the practice session. Spectators were asked to evacuate the grandstands for safety reasons, and the bridges accessing Notre Dame Island were temporarily closed by police.

Despite the challenging weather, the drivers eventually took to the wet track, albeit with caution. Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu triggered a red flag after aquaplaning and hitting the wall, highlighting the treacherous conditions on the circuit.

Looking ahead, more rain is expected throughout the weekend in Montreal, adding another layer of complexity to the Grand Prix. With a second practice scheduled for later in the day and qualifying and the race set for the weekend, the drivers will have to navigate the unpredictable weather to secure a strong performance on race day.