Max doesn't drive during FP2: 'It was a good start for us'

Published on 05 April 2024 by Johan Peeters

After Max Verstappen went fastest in the first free practice in Japan, he made no appearance during the second free practice. The track was too wet for slicks, and too dry for intermediates, meaning there was no real reason to take to the track. Oscar Piastri in his McLaren drove the fastest time, followed by Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes and Charles Leclerc's Ferrari in P2 and P3. Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo's RBs completed the top five. Max's Oracle Red Bull Racing teammate, Sergio Perez, also did not appear on track. 

"It was a good start for us", Max explains after the second free practice. "The balance wasn't too far out. That's always a great way to start. It does look like everyone is a bit closer compared to last year."

Max explains: "In FP2 we couldn't really do anything. There's still a few things to look at and try, but overall (I'm) quite happy with that FP1."

The chance of rain ahead of the practice session was 60 to 80%, the odds the track will stay dry look slim. Logan Sargaent’s odds of joining the race after his crash in the first free practice are also not promising. According to Williams team principal James Vowles the chassis is alright, but there is extensive damage to the car and the gearbox is broken.

As the lights at the end of the pit lane go green, it is 14 degrees out with light rain, and Williams announces Sargaent won’t be driving any more today. A couple of drivers prepare themselves to take to the track for a short stint through the rain.

After 10 minutes there has been little action on track. Max is stationed next to his car and is seen chatting with team principal Christian Horner.

After 13 minutes the first to appear on the Suzuka circuit is Hamilton. The Englishman is driving on slicks. After three minutes driving in the rain, Hamilton returns to the pits and Ricciardo takes to the track. The Australian, who in the first free practice was replaced by rookie Ayamu Iwasa, quickly makes up his mind that the track is too slippery. After one lap he returns to the pits.

Halfway through the session, Piastri is the first to appear on track on intermediates. The young Australian reports that it’s not too wet on track and returns to the pits, probably to avoid damaging his tyres and save them for later this weekend.

In the meantime, Ricciardo, Tsunoda and Alexander Albon have taken to the track. After a fast lap Tsunoda goes to P1. Later Ricciardo goes P2. After one lap Albon returns to the pits. He too wants to avoid damage to his intermediates. Tsunoda, in contrast, focuses on improving his time. With twenty minutes to go, the track calms down again as both RB’s return to the pits.

Thankfully the silence does not last long. Zhou Guanyu appears on track in his Sauber. While teammate Valtteri Bottas also drives onto the track, Guanyu returns to the pits. Bottas rejoins his team moments later.

In the last stretch, the spectators see Kevin Magnussen’s Haas try the circuit with a set of soft tyres, but the Danish-man also concludes the track is too wet. Teammate Nico Hulkenberg also braves the track. Both return to the pits.

With just minutes left to spare, the track comes back to life, but Piastri stays ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes, while Leclerc’s Ferrari goes third.

Contest GP Japan: win a by Max signed Verstappen.com Racing cap!

Results second free practice Japan:

pos	driver	team	time	gap	laps
1	Oscar Piastri	PIA	McLaren Mercedes	1:34.725		6
2	Lewis Hamilton	HAM	Mercedes	1:35.226	+0.501s	5
3	Charles Leclerc	LEC	Ferrari	1:38.760	+4.035s	3
4	Yuki Tsunoda	TSU	RB Honda RBPT	1:40.946	+6.221s	7
5	Daniel Ricciardo	RIC	RB Honda RBPT	1:41.913	+7.188s	8
6	Lando Norris	NOR	McLaren Mercedes	1:44.977	+10.252s	3
7	Carlos Sainz	SAI	Ferrari	1:52.579	+17.854s	3
8	Zhou Guanyu	ZHO	Kick Sauber Ferrari	---		6
9	Valtteri Bottas	BOT	Kick Sauber Ferrari	---		6
10	Alexander Albon	ALB	Williams Mercedes	---		4
11	Kevin Magnussen	MAG	Haas Ferrari	---		3
12	Nico Hulkenberg	HUL	Haas Ferrari	---		4
13	Esteban Ocon	OCO	Alpine Renault	---		2