Max sixth after Spa Friday practice: 'Not ideal'

Published on 30 August 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen finished the second free practice session of the Belgian Grand Prix in sixth position. Like FP1, Charles Leclerc was quickest in his Ferrari, ahead of his team mate Sebastian Vettel. Valtteri Bottas completed the top three. Max’ Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team mate, Alex Albon, was tenth fastest.

“The car didn’t feel bad today. In the first session I could’ve been a bit faster and in the second session the car felt good and I was happy with the balance”, explained Max to Verstappen.nl. “I think we can be competitive in the second sector. However, I wasn’t able to use my normal power output; we dialled it back a bit. It’s not ideal and that’s why we’re a bit further from the front.”

Regarding his power unit, Max said: “It should be better tomorrow because we’ll have a different engine. It’s not something we’re worried about. We can use several different engines and some are a bit older with more mileage on them, like the one I used today. Nevertheless, I don’t think we’ll beat Ferrari on Saturday but we can get close. We have some work to do but overall I’m happy with the car’s behaviour.”

At the start of the session, Max takes it easy. The Dutchman is the last driver to go out on track; his fans have to wait little less than twenty minutes to see their hero in action. When he ventures out, he does so on the medium Pirellis.

In his second timed lap, he reports to the team “something switched off in the engine when I braked for the final chicane”, before adding he is losing power. After a brief visit to the pits, Max goes back out to find the Mercedes and Ferrari battling for the fastest lap. In the end, it is the Italian outfit that sets the pace with Leclerc.

In the closing stages, with most drivers completing long runs, Max reports to the team: “I think I have the same problem.” Nevertheless, after a quick pit stop, and a switch to the medium tyres, Max heads out for his final laps of the Friday.

With five minutes to go, Sergio Perez is responsible for the final virtual safety car of the day. The Mexican has to park his smoking Racing Point trackside. Race control changes the virtual safety car into a red flag, thus marking the end of FP2.

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Results second free practice Belgium: