Verstappen second fastest after final Interlagos practice

Published on 13 November 2021 by Mike Motilall

Max Verstappen came in second fastest at the final free practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Dutchman lapped the circuit 26 times and clocked a 1:12.102 in a session that was mostly about the long runs. Fernando Alonso topped the board with a 1:11.238. Mercedes running Valtteri Bottas rounded out the top three at Autódromo José Carlos Pace.

The investigations into Lewis Hamilton´s rear wing and the touching of it by Max Verstappen after qualifying are still in full swing when the second free practice gets underway. Lance Stroll is the first driver to venture out followed by team mate Sebastian Vettel and both Haas- and Alfa Romeo-drivers.

Max Verstappen is out and about on the track after a little over ten minutes. The Red Bull Racing-driver is running around on the softs and clocks a 1:12.102 (P1) on his first timed lap, before starting off on a longer run on the same set of tyres. After a total of six laps on the red-walled rubbers, Verstappen heads back in to his team.

After half an hour the top is formed by Max Verstappen (1:12.102), Esteban Ocon (+0.984), Sergio Pérez (+1.117), Pierre Gasly (+1.506), Yuki Tsunoda (+1.624) and George Russell (+1.920). It is clear that the teams are not looking for fast lap times but are mainly focussing on the longer runs. 

Moments later, Max ventures out on track again, this time round on a set of the mediums. After an eighteen-lap stint – with an average lap time of a low 1:13 – the Dutch ace returns back to the pits. Verstappen stays inside during the closing stages and finishes the session second fastest. Fernando Alonso is by far the quickest with a 1:11.238. Valtteri Bottas rounds out the top three on behalf of Mercedes.

Contest Brazilian GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed orange RBR Driver Cap 2021!

Results second free practice Brazil: