Leclerc signs fastest time in Sepang practice as Ferrari closes ranks around Vasseur
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the second practice session at Sepang, finishing just eight thousandths of a second off Max Verstappen's earlier benchmark, as the Maranello-based team used the weekend to publicly reaffirm support for team principal Fred Vasseur.
Verstappen's time of 1'37''520 from the opening session remained the fastest of the day. The Red Bull driver led George Russell's Mercedes by 0.383 seconds, with Isack Hadjar third in the second Red Bull, 0.783 seconds back.
Ferrari respond on track and off it
The timing could not have been better for a Ferrari team under pressure. Leclerc topped the FP2 timesheet, 0.099 seconds ahead of Hadjar, with Lando Norris third for McLaren. Verstappen slipped to fourth, Hamilton fifth.
Off the track, the Italian team moved to silence speculation about Vasseur's future that had intensified in recent days. Ferrari issued a formal statement confirming its trust in the French manager, a move Vasseur said was necessary to stop the rumors.
"We need serenity and that communication was useful to avoid having the rumors repeat this weekend," Vasseur told reporters. "My relationship with the directors is excellent, even though we all want more."
United front in Maranello
Both Ferrari drivers publicly backed their team principal.
"Inside the team it has always been extremely clear that Fred Vasseur has all our support, but for some mysterious reason every three or four years these absurd leaks come out," Leclerc said. He called the speculation "disrespectful" to a workforce giving its maximum.
Hamilton went further: "Fred is not going anywhere and he has my full support. We are second in the Constructors' Championship and that is already a huge improvement over last year, despite a power deficit averaging around four tenths per weekend, sometimes six."
The seven-time world champion pointed to the work being done in Maranello and criticized what he called the "current negativity" that he said put those efforts at risk.
A tight field on a demanding circuit
The on-track action suggested a closely fought weekend ahead. Friday's sessions unfolded on a circuit described as dirty and slippery, with Leclerc warning that the conditions would likely change significantly before qualifying.
Tyre degradation will be the main theme, the Monegasque driver said, adding that even small differences in how drivers approach corners could have an enormous impact on wear.
Mercedes had a quieter day, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli eighth and Russell seventh in FP2. Antonelli had been fifth in the morning, 1.060 seconds off Verstappen, with Hamilton sixth.
Russell refuses to concede
George Russell, speaking before the weekend's action, said he still believes he can fight for the championship despite a significant gap to the leader.
"The gap in the championship is considerable, but we are only two-thirds of the way through," Russell said. "There is still a third of the season left and a lot can happen."
The English driver said he feels more in synch with his car and hopes recent updates will work in his favour.
A relocated race with added pressure
The event marks Formula One's return to Sepang for the first time since 2017. The Malaysian circuit is hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix, moved from its original venue due to the conflict in the Middle East.
For Ferrari, the weekend carries weight beyond points. The public show of unity — from the boardroom to the pit wall to the cockpit — was designed to draw a line under questions about leadership and let the team focus on what Leclerc called an "interesting race" in the making.
