Max second fastest in Spa FP1

Published on 27 August 2021 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen started his Belgian Grand Prix weekend with a second place in the opening practice session. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas lapped Spa-Francorchamps quickest, whilst Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly completed the top three. Max’ Red Bull Racing team mate, Sergio Perez, was sixth fastest.

At the start of the session it is cool with the thermometer reaching a sparse twelve degrees. It is heavily overcast with a light rain having swept the track prior to the session.

The first drivers out on track do so on the Pirelli intermediate tyres, but after ten minutes the track is almost and drivers start switching to slicks. After fifteen minutes, Max is the last driver to venture out his garage. He does so sporting his special helmet design to coincide with his home race.

After a couple of installation laps on the intermediates, Max swaps the inters for the hard slick tyre. His first flying lap is the quickest lap thus far and grants the Dutchman P1.

 Max continues his run on the hards as he cements his position at the top of the timing sheets leading team mate Perez by 1.2 seconds.

With fifteen minutes to go, most drivers switch to the soft tyres. Valtteri Bottas makes good use of the extra grip by posting the fastest lap of the session. His team mate’s attempt is hindered by the Williams of Nicolas Latify, meaning Hamilton cannot improve his best effort.

Max’ first timed lap on the softs is three tenths slower than Bottas, but is still good enough for P2. A second attempt sees Max improve his time but not his position, Meanwhile, light rain has arrived at the track, making quicker lap times no longer possible.

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Results first free practice Belgium: