Max third in FP2 in Jeddah: 'We've learned a lot'

Published on 18 April 2025 by Misha van der Kroon

Max Verstappen finished third in the second free practice session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The session, which ended early due to a red flag, saw plenty of running at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The four-time World Champion was just under three-tenths of a second slower on his fastest lap than McLaren’s Lando Norris, who topped the timesheets.

“We tried some different things with the car. We tried to find a different direction, and we learned a lot from it.” Max said. “We’re still not where we wanted to be. I don’t really look at the gaps, at the end of the day you just have to focus on your own feelings and what you feel in the car. It’s a bit better, but the long runs are still a bit tough for us.”
Comparing the Jeddah Corniche Circuit to the Bahrain track isn’t easy, Max continues. “It’s different, of course, because it’s a different track, and the grip levels are different. But the set-up is also completely different. So it is very hard to compare. But it’s still clear that we want to be faster.”
Finally, the four-time World Champion adds: “It’s difficult to say what’s possible tomorrow. Mclaren of course stands out again, they look very competitive. From our side, there is still a bit of work to do and things to understand.”

After a sunny first practice session, night has fallen by the time the second free practice began. The track is immediately busy. This session is particularly important, as it takes place at the same time as both qualifying and the race, making it the most representative in terms of weekend conditions. Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto is unable to take part due to a fuel leak.

Max starts the session on the medium tyres, clocking a 1:29.896 on his first timed lap, then improving to a 1:29.600. In the opening ten minutes, only McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc are quicker. Norris is the fastest, three-tenths ahead of Max. However, not everyone has a smooth start. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll spins in the first corner but manages to keep his car out of the wall.

Following a brief moment when everyone is back in the pits, George Russell (Mercedes) is the first of the top teams to head back out on soft tyres. He narrowly beats Leclerc’s time by less than a tenth. Soon after, Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Max also improve their times. With three purple sectors, Max goes four-tenths faster than Sainz. Only the McLarens are able to challenge the four-time World Champion, with Norris going fastest, 28 hundredths ahead of Max’s third-fastest time.

During the final 20 minutes of the session, the reigning World Champion focuses on long-runs. Max completes nine laps on the medium compound, wrapping up his Friday. The session ends early, eight minutes before the scheduled finish, due to a red flag. Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Yuki Tsunoda crashes in the final corner, effectively ending the session. When the track is cleared, there is only enough time left for practice starts. Tsunoda ends the session sixth overall, three places behind Max. Norris closes out the day at the top of the timesheets.

Contest GP Djeddah: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing 2025 cap!

Results second free practice Saudi Arabia: