Colton Herta secured the fastest lap during the second practice session at the Detroit Grand Prix, setting a time of 1:01.7823 in the final minutes. With qualifying just hours away, drivers prepare for a competitive battle on the challenging Detroit GP circuit.
Following Herta’s performance, Scott McLaughlin, the 2025 Indy 500 retiree, recorded the second-fastest time, trailing by only a tenth of a second. Kyle Kirkwood rounded out the top three, maintaining his strong pace after leading the first practice despite sustaining rear damage from a collision with Will Power. Kirkwood’s time was just 0.16 seconds behind the leader, signaling a close fight among the frontrunners.
Unlike the clear skies during the first practice, the second session opened under cloud cover, causing a noticeable drop in track temperature. This change intensified the existing challenges posed by the Detroit circuit’s tight corners, twists, and bumps. Several drivers locked up their tires entering Turn 1, sending them into the run-off area as the cooler conditions exacerbated braking difficulties.
Will Power continued to face struggles with braking, frequently running deep into his braking zones. His #12 Team Penske car was also impeded twice during the session—once by Devlin DeFrancesco and again by Rinus VeeKay—further complicating his efforts to improve lap times.
Pato O’Ward was among the drivers caught out by the tricky conditions, locking up and sliding into the tire wall, which damaged his front wing. His Arrow McLaren team responded swiftly, bringing the car into the garage for inspection and fitting a replacement wing before sending him back on track.
Championship leader Alex Palou narrowly avoided an unexpected hazard when a bird appeared on the track’s Turn 1 exit. As he navigated the corner, Palou, who was closely followed by Power, swerved to avoid the bird, preventing any further incident.
Rookie Jacob Abel also experienced a tense moment exiting Turn 1. Overly eager with throttle application, Abel caused the rear tires to spin sharply, resulting in a snap. Demonstrating quick reflexes, Abel managed to regain control and avoid crashing into the barrier.
Structure of Qualifying Groups for Detroit Grand Prix
The qualifying session is split into two groups, with the top six drivers from each advancing to the second round. Positions earned in the second practice session determine group placements: drivers finishing in odd-numbered spots (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) will compete in Group 2, while those in even-numbered spots (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) will be in Group 1. This division sets the stage for an intense qualifying showdown as competitors aim to secure the best possible starting positions.
The performances in practice 2, particularly from Colton Herta, Scott McLaughlin, and Kyle Kirkwood, hint at a highly competitive qualifying session, with key drivers poised to battle for advantageous spots on the grid. As the Detroit GP progresses, managing the circuit’s demanding layout and variable conditions will be crucial for success.
