Hamilton Leads Bottas in 2nd Practice for Austrian GP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the second free practice session for the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria, on July 2, 2021. Darko Bandic/AP Photo

SPIELBERG, Austria—Mercedes found welcome speed in the rain at the Austrian Grand Prix on Friday, with Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton leading a damp second practice ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas.

The conditions proved less to the liking of championship leader Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver topped the leaderboard early on but drifted down to third place as the track became wetter.