Max fifth in FP2: 'We have work to do'

Published on 10 May 2019 by Stefan Meens

After twelfth place in the opening free practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen finished FP2 in fifth spot. Valtteri Bottas was once again quickest. His Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton, was second fastest, followed by Charles Leclerc in third.

“We had an oil leak in the first free practice session”, explained Max after FP2. “These things happen. We lost a bit of time that affects us. We clearly have work to do. Tonight we’ll analyse all the new parts, which will help us tomorrow. But the updates are working.”

At the start of the second free practice session, all cars are ready, including Max Verstappen’s RB15 (oil leak), Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes (hydraulic problem) and Lance Stroll’s Racing Point (crash).

Apart from a harmless Robert Kubica spin, the opening third of the session proves quiet. Half an hour into the session, several teams opt to do a qualifying simulation. Both Ferraris initially pip Bottas’ fastest lap but the Mercedes driver retaliates with the quickest time of the session.

At the halfway point, Max also switches to the soft tyre to prepare for his qualifying simulation. His first effort grants him P5. A second run does not result in a better lap time. Max explained to team “I suddenly lost power. Now it’s OK. I pushed the throttle but the car wouldn’t accelerate.” Shortly after this comment on team radio, the Dutchman returns to the pits.

In the final thirty minutes, most teams switch their attention to race simulation resulting in the lap times no longer being bettered. For his final couple of long runs, Max first uses a set of the soft Pirellis before switching to four used medium tyres. Nevertheless, Mercedes set the pace with Ferrari and Red Bull struggling to match the Silver Arrows thusfar.

Spanish GP contest: win the scale model of Max Verstappen RB14 Spain 2018

Results second free practice Spain: