Verstappen: Gap to Hamilton 'smaller than it looks'

Max Verstappen reckoned his deficit to pacesetter Lewis Hamilton in FP2 wasn't "representative" as the Mercedes driver achieved his fastest time thanks in part to a good tow.

Verstappen, who topped the opening practice session in Austin, concluded his day third fastest, 0.315s adrift from Hamilton and just 0.014s behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

2019 US Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

The Red Bull driver labeled his day as a "positive" one and noted that Hamilton's benchmark time had been helped by the Mercedes slipstreaming the Williams of Robert Kubica.

"Overall it’s been a positive day and the pace of the car on the short runs seems pretty good," said Verstappen.

"Lewis had a tow down the back straight on his fastest lap so I think the time isn’t really representative and the gap is probably a bit smaller than it looks.

"We were a little bit off on the long runs and I’m not entirely happy yet but that’s something we can look at tonight."

Like his colleagues, Verstappen admitted he had endured a bumpy ride around the Circuit of the Americas.

"The track seems to be getting bumpier every year but luckily the bumps aren’t really in braking areas but it’s something that probably needs looking at before next year.

"This track is also very aggressive on tyres so if we can keep them under control then it could be pretty good."

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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.