Max fifth in Austria FP2: 'Room for improvement'

Published on 29 June 2018 by Stefan Meens

After third in the first free practice session, Max Verstappen was fifth fastest in FP2 for the Austrian Grand Prix. The Dutchman managed 48 laps of the Red Bull Ring. Quickest were the Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas setting the pace ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo.

“Today wasn’t great”, explained Max to Verstappen.nl. “We’re losing some time in the corners and we know we’re losing ground on the straights. We have to improve the car a bit.”

“Additionally, we had a damaged floor. Something broke on the inside, so I had to drive FP2 with a damaged floor. It must’ve happened on the inside because of the vibrations. For tomorrow we’ll put on a new one. So today wasn’t the best day, but there is room for improvement.”

A characteristic of the Red Bull Ring, which has seen many drivers damage their car in some shape or form, are the kerbstones. “These kerbs have been very aggressive over the past three years. It’s far from ideal and everyone is trying to avoid them. Of course, they can damage a front wing. But if they put a wall instead of a kerb, you’d hit the wall. So it’s simple: don’t touch it.”

FP2 is marked by many drivers overshooting corners and exceeding the track limits. Turn 4 proves to be a handful with Carlos Sainz (Renault), Kevin Magnussen (Haas) and Marcus Ericsson (Sauber) all going wide. The latter even hits the gravel traps but avoids getting beached and is able to continue.

Pierre Gasly has bigger problems. The Frenchman hits the kerbs in turn 9 in his Scuderia Toro Rosso, prompting the suspension to break. The RB13 ends up in the gravel and the red flag is out.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes are still on top when the track is given the all clear. In fact, the German team have set the pace all weekend and remain first and second at the end of the session.

As usual, the final part of the session is all about preparation for race day with the teams focusing on long runs. It means the previously set lap times remain the quickest without improvement.

In the closing stages, Max goes wide at turn one, but he can continue without any issues. Less fortunate is Kevin Magnussen. Upon exiting his Haas pit box, his right front wheel is not secured and the Dane is forced to stop his car.

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Results second free practice Austria: