Verstappen untroubled by late session issue

©RedBull

Max Verstappen clocked in at the end of the day with 100 laps under his belt although it was an unsatisfactory end to the Red Bull driver's session.

Verstappen kicked off his day with short runs and pit stop practice before an MGU-K issue forced an engine change to ensure a productive afternoon of running.

"It was not bad today. We had some stoppages obviously but then in the afternoon we almost completed a full race distance, so that was good,” said Max afterwards.

"It felt good, and we got a lot of information today again, which is the most important thing."

The Dutchman suffered another technical issue in the dying moments of the afternoon session, again suspected to be linked with the Renault power unit's MGU-K.

"Unfortunately I didn't run out of fuel," he said.

"We were two laps short of a race distance, we got a lot of data.

"Unfortunately we had to stop, similar issues that made us stop this morning but I'm quite confident because the Renault boys already have some plans to change that for Melbourne anyway so it should be alright.

"We have learned a lot again today so that's positive for the future."

"The long run this afternoon felt good…. quite long! It’s pretty boring when you’re out there on your own, but everything felt well."

'Maximum Max' ended the day P4 on the timesheet.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.