Max quick on Friday at Yas Marina: 'Little to complain about'

Published on 23 November 2018 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen continued his good form shown earlier in the day, when he was fastest in the first free practice session, by being second quickest in FP2. Only Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas lapped the Yas Marina circuit faster. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo completed the top three.

Max: “From the first run I had little to complain today. Especially in the last sector the car works really well and I’m really happy with that.”

Ten minutes into the session, Max heads out of the pit box for his first appearance in FP2. His first timed lap is a decent one, clocking P2. Soon after, the youngster goes wide at turn 20, effectively surfing the car over the big sausage kerb. Although he is able to continue, Max reports: “I think we need to check the floor.”

Upon return to the pits, the team get to work, whilst team mate Ricciardo sets the quickest lap. Despite conditions being significantly cooler than FP1, the RB14 is clearly on the pace.

After 30 minutes, Max heads back out, this time on a set of the Pirelli hyper-softs, the quickest compound available this weekend. Max enjoys the extra grip, splitting the two Mercedes and climbing up to P2. A few laps later, he sets his personal best of the session but he remains in second for the rest of the session. Only Valtteri Bottas is quicker.

The remaining half an hour is used by most teams to focus on long runs. Several drivers, including Max, complain about how the tyres struggle on a longer stint. Nevertheless, Max completes a fifteen lap run on the hyper-softs, whereas the competition appear to struggle to match that number. It fuels the impression that the race pace of the Dutchman is looking promising.

Abu Dhabi GP contest: win a by Max signed 1:43 RBR scale model!

Results second free practice Abu-dhabi: