F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen: FP2 pace encouraging but still 'more work to do'

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was encouraged by his car's performance in Friday's second practice session but insisted that more progress would be required to challenge Mercedes on Sunday.

Verstappen clocked in third fastest in FP2, almost three tenths behind pace-setter Valtteri Bottas.

But the Dutchman nevertheless outpaced in the afternoon session Ferrari chargers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, a performance that reflected the gains enjoyed by the RB15 after FP1.

"I think the first practice wasn't so good, but the second practice we improved a lot. That seemed a bit more promising," he said.

"Mercedes is very quick and we have some more work to do. But it was a decent recovery."

Verstappen underlined the slight boost in performance delivered by Red Bull's fuel partner Esso which has supplied a new mixture for Honda's engine.

"The new Esso fuel also seems to be a good step forward in terms of power which is really positive," he added.

"It’s only Friday so you can’t really tell where everyone is, but we were all pushing a little harder in FP2 in case qualifying doesn’t happen on Sunday and these times set our grid positions."

©RedBull

Verstappen insisted his race preparation won't be impacted by Suzuka shutting down on Saturday to protect itself against Typhoon Hagibi.

"Because of the typhoon we won’t be on track tomorrow, but we have a full day to look at the data and I will probably set up a FIFA tournament with some of the other drivers," he said.

"I’m not worried about doing qualifying and the race on Sunday as it won’t affect my approach.

"We can’t change the weather and it’s out of our control, so now we just have to see what happens on Sunday."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

8 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

9 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

10 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

12 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

13 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

14 hours ago