Max third after Spa FP1

Published on 28 August 2020 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen clocked the third fastest lap of the opening practice session of the Belgian Grand Prix. Valtteri Bottas lapped the Spa-Francorchamps circuit quickest ahead of Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton.

As the pitlane opens for FP1, the ambient temperature struggles to rise above the 20 degree mark as rain hangs in the Ardennes Forest air.

After fifteen minutes, Max makes his first appearance out on track. He does so on the hard Pirelli tyres and promptly clocks the fastest lap thus far.

Contrastingly, Haas have issues with both their drivers’ cars. Both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen’s power-units need replaced. At the other Ferrari customer team, Alfa Romeo, the mechanics have to replace Antonio Giovinazzi’s engine. The lengthy repairs mean neither of the these three drivers appear on track in FP1.

With half an hour to go, it is Lando Norris who sets the quickest lap. The McLaren driver clocks his flying effort on the soft tyres, giving him a significant performance advantage over Max and Lewis Hamilton in second and third. The latter two used the medium and hard compounds to set their respective best lap times.

Shortly after, the top teams send their drivers out on the soft Pirellis. Mercedes take charge with Bottas leading Hamilton. Max is a close third.

In the closing stages, both Red Bulls head back on track on sets of used soft tyres. Although they gain valuable track time, they do not better their lap times.

Belgium GP contest: win the orange 1:2 Max Verstappen Belgium GP 2019 helmet!

Results first free practice Belgium: