Max third fastest in Spa FP1

Published on 30 August 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen clocked the third quickest time in the first official session after the Formula 1 summer break. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was quickest during free practice 1, followed by his team mate Sebastian Vettel. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s new driver, Alex Albon, finished fourth fastest.

At the start of the session, Max heads out for an installation lap before returning to the team. His fans have to wait a further 25 minutes to see the Dutchman back out on the circuit. When he eventually ventures out, he does so on a set of the soft Pirelli tyre compound.

In the meantime, fifteen minutes into FP1, Lando Norris (McLaren) and the two Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton leave the pits for the first timed laps. “I lost power” is the radio message Hamilton has for the team, explaining why he does not complete his flying lap. Instead, the world champion drives slowly back to the pits.

At the half hour mark, a virtual safety car is called after the engine cover of Lance Stroll’s Racing Point has blown across the Kemmel straight, resulting in debris on track.

As soon as the track is cleared, Max clocks a 1:45.803. It will be his fastest lap of the morning and propels him to P1 for the time being.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are still struggling. A telemetry issue forces the world champion back into the pits with 30 mins on the clock.

Alex Albon, driving the RB15 for the first time, appears to settle in well. The rookie’s fastest lap is only two tenths of his team mate, Max.

In the final third, Ferrari show they will be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the weekend, with Leclerc and Vettel topping the timing charts. The Red Bulls follow in third and fourth place ahead of the two Mercedes. The latter outfit has not shown its hand as both drivers set their quickest laps on the medium Pirelli compound.

In the closing stages, Max heads out on a set of used soft Pirellis. Judging by his lap times, he is not pushing the car yet and, like most drivers, the youngster does not better his fastest effort set earlier in the session.

Belgian GP contest: win a signed orange Max Verstappen driver cap and lanyard!

Results first free practice Belgium: