Second practice saw more drama as several drivers skidded on the track, with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean spinning around at turn 12 as their cars turned 180 degrees at different points of the race.
Hamilton led second practice as he had done with the first, with Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat in second. Kvyat’s Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo finished in third, but faced issues with his engine ‘blowing’ midway through FP2. Practice was paused for a while as marshals examined his car.
Commentators speculated about changes in Formula 1 team structures, with commentators saying Ferrari had “all but confirmed Bottas’ move to the team as Kimi is out end of the season,” a topic that has been the subject of intense speculation all year.
There was also talk of Jenson Button leaving McLaren-Honda for Williams, who reportedly want him, with McLaren test driver Kevin Magnussen apparently due to take his place and partner Fernando Alonso.
Jolyon Palmer got a chance to drive today as Romain Grosjean sat out FP1.
Standings at the end of FP2 are as follows: