Verstappen highlights competitive challenges after strong practice at Spa

Formula1.com1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 6:25 PM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Verstappen highlights competitive challenges after strong practice at Spa
Summary

Max Verstappen had a productive day during Friday's practice sessions for the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing in the top three in both FP1 and FP2. He initially set the fastest time in FP1 but was later surpassed in FP2, where he concluded in third. Despite his strong performance, Verstappen acknowledged a noticeable gap to rivals and emphasized the need for further adjustments to optimize the car's balance. He also dealt with difficulties related to gear shifts and adapted to a reintroduced rear wing specification. Verstappen aims to improve ahead of qualifying.

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Key Details
  • Verstappen finished first in FP1 with a time of 1m 50.654s.
  • He placed third in FP2 after being overtaken by Kimi Antonelli.
  • Struggled with gear shifts and described them as 'unbelievable'.
  • Red Bull reverted to an older rear wing specification for safety reasons.
  • Verstappen aims to fine-tune the car before qualifying.
What they're saying
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Max Verstappen shared his satisfaction at maximising Red Bull’s package during Friday's running at the Belgian Grand Prix, but admitted that the sessions also exposed the deficit to their rivals.

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