FP2: Bottas fastest on Friday

F1 Grand Prix, GP France, Circuit Paul Ricard

The second practice session ahead of the French Grand Prix saw Valtteri Bottas go fastest, 4 tenths quicker than team mate Lewis Hamilton who used the harder medium compound tyres. Charles Leclerc was again third fastest for Ferrari.

Conditions remained tricky, and even the Mercedes drivers were found slightly unhappy after the session, despite having once again topped the session. Both drivers claimed they were after improved car balance.

Ferrari's third and fourth has become a bit normal, but the Scuderia is adamant there is more to come as they will seek improvements overnight. Ferrari were busy trying out various new parts, including a new front wing and diffuser. Performance evaluation of these parts should allow the team to create their best possible package for the remainder of the weekend.

McLaren's drivers on the other hand were much more happy, though Sainz still complained of his car. Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz still managed to sandwich Max Verstappen in 6th with the second Red Bull from Pierre Gasly following up in 8th.

Kimi Raikkonen ended up 9th as Kevin Magnussen completed the top 10. The latter's performance came in stark contrast with Romain Grosjean's continued struggles. It seems like their exchanged roles, with this time Grosjean swearing about car balance and tyre performance after Magnussen had done the same during the Canadian Grand Prix.

At the back, George Russell was again in the Williams after Nicholas Latifi had completed FP1 in his car. Russell was quickly on it, and ended the session 6 tenths ahead of team mate Robert Kubica.