Max P17 after Friday practice in Abu Dhabi: 'I am sure we can do better'

Published on 06 December 2024 by Misha van der Kroon

Max Verstappen ended the second free practice session in Abu Dhabi in 17th place. After sitting out FP1, the four-time World Champion returned to the track but wasn’t happy with his RB20. Lando Norris set the fastest time, with teammate Oscar Piastri close behind in second. Nico Hülkenberg claimed third, while Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top five of FP2 in Abu Dhabi.

After the session, Max says: "The balance just wasn't very good. That makes it difficult to push. That's something we have to work on overnight." Oracle Red Bull Racing has had worse practices this season, but they managed to turn it around, and Max and the team were competitive again on Sunday. The Dutchman says about that: "I'm sure we can do better. I'm not saying we're at McLaren's level, because they seem very quick so far this weekend. If we at least can fight in the top six, that would be a good recovery. Because so far it's been quite tricky."

It’s busy on track at the start of the session, as many drivers take advantage of conditions being more representative of the race. It’s 27°C degrees, with a track temperature of 33°C. Unlike FP1, which saw several rookies in action, all regular drivers are back in their cars, except Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman will not join the action this weekend to prepare for post-season testing with Haas. Jack Doohan takes place in the Alpine to replace Ocon.

Verstappen’s first flying lap on medium tyres is good for a 1:25.980, placing him 12th. He immediately returns to the pits, reporting issues with understeer. Back on track, he improves to a 1:25.265, climbing to fifth, but his dissatisfaction with the RB20 continues. Meanwhile, Norris sets a 1:24.332, which is the fastest time so far. Charles Leclerc is in second, just over two-tenths slower than the McLaren.

Verstappen clocks a 1:24.958, before he returns to the garage. The Red Bull mechanics make some slight adjustments to the car and Max heads out again. Half way through the session, it gets quiet on track. The top five at that moment consists of Piastri, Norris, Leclerc, Sainz, and Perez, with Verstappen in seventh. He briefly improves to sixth but remains over a second off the pace. Norris reclaims the top spot from his teammate with a 1:23.517.

The Dutchman continues to struggle with understeer in his car and keeps loosing places. With 15 minutes remaining, Max is in 17th place. Franco Colapinto’s session ends early after damaging his car’s floor. His teammate Alexander Albon also is facing issues. He reports a power-issue and slowly heads back to the pits, and eventually returns to the track.

Verstappen returns to the track for a long run on mediums. Shortly after, he informs his team that he hit a kerb hard. On his first long run he clocks a 1:29.746, and later improves slightly to a 1:29.507. Norris’ first long-run is a 1:30.039. As most drivers focus on race simulations, the timesheets remain unchanged. Norris finishes FP2 as the fastest driver, followed by Piastri. Hülkenberg puts his Haas in third, with Sainz and Hamilton completing the top five. Verstappen finishes the session in 17th place.

Contest Abu Dhabi GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing cap!

Results second free practice Abu-dhabi: