Max fastest in Spa FP2: "Better than expected"

Published on 26 August 2016 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen finished the Friday of the Belgian Grand Prix on a high by claiming the top spot during FP2. The 18-year-old youngster, who was cheered on by thousands of Dutch fans, set the fastest time (1:48.085). He was three tenths clear of second placed Daniel Ricciardo. Both Red Bull Racing drivers posted their quickest effort on the super-soft Pirellis. Mercedes opted to only run the slower compounds.

“Our pace was great today, better than expected. I’m happy with P1 in the second free practice session”, said Max to Verstappen.nl. “However, it’s only Friday and not qualifying or the race. We have to keep working to improve.”

“Spa is a difficult track to find the right balance for the car. I struggled a bit but the last set-up changes worked out well. It’s going to be hard to manage the tyres; they will be the deciding factor. But both the short and long runs went well, so a good day today.”

Apart from being on the pace, the Dutchman enjoyed seeing his fans trackside. “It’s awesome, it really motivates me. When I set the fastest lap, everyone cheered! But I’m not dreaming of pole. We’ll work hard and see where we end up.”

Max started FP2 with two runs on the soft compound. After seven laps he was seventh with a 1:49.4. However, the Red Bull Racing ace had more speed up his sleeve. After bolting on the super-soft Pirellis, Max set his fastest lap of the day which proved also the fastest overall.

Meanwhile, Jolyon Palmer looked to park his Renault track side with issues but was able to make it back to the pits. Elsewhere, both Romain Grosjean (Haas F1) and Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) went wide at the high speed corner Pouhon. The Finn’s team mate, Sebastian Vettel, exceeded the track limits at Les Combes.

Daniel Ricciardo came closest the Max’s time. The Australian mainly lost time in the second sector which resulted in Max taking glory on Friday.

Belgian Grand Prix - Spa-Francorchamps - Friday 26 August

RESULTS FREE PRACTICE 2

01 33 Max Verstappen      Red Bull Racing TAG Heuer   1:48.085             27
02  3 Daniel Ricciardo    Red Bull Racing TAG Heuer   1:48.341   +0.256s   27
03 27 Nico Hulkenberg     Force India Mercedes        1:48.657   +0.572s   30
04  5 Sebastian Vettel    Ferrari                     1:49.023   +0.938s   27
05 11 Sergio Perez        Force India Mercedes        1:49.100   +1.015s   27
06  6 Nico Rosberg        Mercedes                    1:49.161   +1.076s   33
07  7 Kimi Räikkönen      Ferrari                     1:49.244   +1.159s   30
08  8 Romain Grosjean     Haas Ferrari                1:49.419   +1.334s   20
09 22 Jenson Button       McLaren Honda               1:49.419   +1.334s   23
10 21 Esteban Gutierrez   Haas Ferrari                1:49.648   +1.563s   23
11 94 Pascal Wehrlein     MRT Mercedes                1:49.716   +1.631s   31
12 14 Fernando Alonso     McLaren Honda               1:49.772   +1.687s   30
13 44 Lewis Hamilton      Mercedes                    1:49.782   +1.697s   33
14 26 Daniil Kvyat        Toro Rosso Ferrari          1:49.916   +1.831s   25
15  9 Marcus Ericsson     Sauber Ferrari              1:50.083   +1.998s   27
16 77 Valtteri Bottas     Williams Mercedes           1:50.151   +2.066s   19
17 19 Felipe Massa        Williams Mercedes           1:50.157   +2.072s   29
18 55 Carlos Sainz        Toro Rosso Ferrari          1:50.194   +2.109s   25
19 20 Kevin Magnussen     Renault                     1:50.375   +2.290s   34
20 30 Jolyon Palmer       Renault                     1:50.562   +2.477s   32
21 31 Esteban Ocon        MRT Mercedes                1:50.659   +2.574s   25
22 12 Felipe Nasr         Sauber Ferrari              1:50.719   +2.634s   24

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