Max second in FP2: 'Not sure if we have enough for pole'

Published on 27 July 2018 by Stefan Meens

After P3 in the first free practice session, Max Verstappen was second quickest in FP2 for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was fastest. Max’ Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team mate Daniel Ricciardo claimed P3 ahead of the other Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.

“The car felt good, a positive start to the weekend”, explained Max to Verstappen.nl. “However, we still lose quite a lot of time on the main straight. It went well in the second sector, the one with the most turns. We can still improve the car, but if it’s enough for pole, I don’t know. It looked like the Mercedes weren’t able to put a clean lap together on the ultra-softs because they went wide. I’m expecting them in the mix tomorrow. Ferrari looks fast and the Mercedes long-runs look competitive. It’ll be close but it all depends on qualifying because overtaking is incredible difficult around here.”

“Nevertheless, I like the Hungaroring. To get a good lap time, you need a car with a good balance. It’s hard work, because there are so many turns in quick succession. It’s really enjoyable.”

At the start of FP2, Charles Leclerc is back in his Sauber after Antionio Giovinazzi drove in the first practice session. From the start, people are pushing the limit. Marcus Ericsson slides of track in turn 9 but is able to continue without damage. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Esteban Ocon (Force India), Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren) all go off-track too, all without consequences.

Fifteen minutes into the session, Max heads out for his first run, joining most of his colleagues on the soft Pirellis. He is immediately quick by clocking the second fastest time. Half an hour later, he switches to the ultra-soft tyres and improves his fastest effort (1:16.908).

With forty minutes to go, Max starts his long run in preparation for Sunday. His lap times are consistent and competitive compared to the Mercedes and Ferraris. After 35 issue-free laps, Max heads back to the team, signaling the end of his productive Friday.

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Results second free practice Hungary: