Verstappen reflects on Belgian Grand Prix practice sessions
Max Verstappen finished within the top three in both FP1 and FP2 during the Belgian Grand Prix. He expressed satisfaction with maximizing Red Bull’s package but acknowledged the gap to competitors. Verstappen topped the times in FP1 with a 1m 50.654s lap, a benchmark later surpassed by Kimi Antonelli in the second practice session, where Verstappen finished third.
Verstappen reported issues with gear shifts, describing them as “unbelievable” after driving onto a gravel trap, which briefly caused a red flag to clear debris from the track. Despite this, he characterized the day as “pretty decent,” noting that the car’s balance was immediately present, requiring only fine-tuning to potentially unlock more pace. He stated that for their package, it had been a good day and that he was not disappointed.
Challenges and Adjustments
Verstappen also faced the task of readapting to an older specification rear wing. This change was implemented by Red Bull following crashes attributed to a faulty updated component in Austria and Great Britain. Verstappen simply noted that the wing “opens differently.”
Red Bull’s Technical Director Pierre Wache elaborated on the wing situation, explaining that the team was trying to reproduce the issue observed at Silverstone to understand and fix the problem. The goal is to reintroduce the performance-benefiting wing as quickly as possible. Wache emphasized that ensuring the car’s safety for the driver is the primary priority, leading to the use of a normal activation rear wing that offers slightly less performance but is safe to operate.
Wache also mentioned that the car’s balance was “far from perfect” and required further work, along with addressing some degradation observed during long runs. He viewed the current state as a positive starting point for improvements.
Competitor Performances
Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli demonstrated strong performance for Mercedes, particularly in FP2, where he was a standout in long runs. Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin noted that after a challenging FP1, adjustments between sessions made drivers happier with the car in the afternoon. Antonelli himself stated that the long run felt very strong, but acknowledged the significant car changes between sessions would require overnight work.
In contrast, George Russell struggled in both practice sessions for Mercedes, finishing well off the pace. He was behind Antonelli in FP1, partly due to a power unit issue, and significantly slower than his leading teammate in FP2 even after the FP1 problem was resolved. Analysis suggested Russell might be experiencing difficulties on the straights, an issue he needs to address given the nature of Spa-Francorchamps’s layout.
Aston Martin also had a difficult day, with both cars significantly off the pace in both sessions. Team representative Mike Krack conceded that the team was “quite far off” and that there was “nothing to fight for in terms of result,” acknowledging the track was expected to be challenging before the introduction of their B-spec car.
Surprise Performances
Franco Colapinto of Alpine delivered a notable performance in FP2, securing seventh place, ahead of George Russell. Colapinto also outperformed his teammate Pierre Gasly in both practice sessions. Colapinto attributed his improved pace to cooler conditions and the lower-speed corners at Spa-Francorchamps, expressing comfort with the car this year.
Pierre Gasly, however, experienced a crash exiting the Fagnes chicane at the end of FP2, damaging his rear wing and tires. The incident resulted from a snap of oversteer, leading him to hit the barriers. Haas also had a decent showing, with Ollie Bearman reporting that the car “felt strong” on Friday, despite acknowledging they were not close to Racing Bulls and Alpine. Bearman noted a slight improvement from a new front wing tested by the team.
Verstappen concluded that while FP2 likely showed a more realistic gap to rivals, it was “nothing shocking” and what he had anticipated.
Read Also
Source: formula1.com
