Belgium – EL2: Verstappen takes the lead

Max Verstappen responded to Ferrari in Belgium. The Dutchman was the fastest on Friday during Free Practice 2 at Spa-Francorchamps, with a best time of 1'45″507. With more than 8 tenths ahead of Charles Leclerc (2nd, +0″862), the pilot Red Bull impressed with his amazing time. The Monegasque even seemed surprised on the radio: “45″5?! Ah, it's very fast! » Leclerc wondered. Lando Norris (3rd, +1″082) completed the top 3 aboard his McLaren, more than a second behind the reigning world champion.

Behind the top 3 is Lance stroll (4th, +1″128) who placed his Aston Martin in 4th place. The Canadian, comfortable in changing conditions, performed well in these Free Practice 2. He was ahead of the Ferrari by Carlos Sainz (5th, +1″142) and the Mercedes de Lewis Hamilton (6th, +1″386), who had some difficulties with the stability of his car. The seven-time world champion had a little scare in Raidillon but managed to catch up with his W13.

When you try to pass the Raidillon at full speed but it's raining at the same time 😬#BelgianGP 🇧🇪 #F1 ▶ https://t.co/t7uFs3zt3P pic.twitter.com/rOk54WHU9h

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) August 26

Rain disrupts end of session in Belgium

The top 10 is completed by Fernando Alonso (7th, +1″468), George Russell (8th, +1535), Daniel Ricciardo (9th, +1″748) and Sergio Pérez (10th, +1″839). The Mexican stayed in the pits for a long time, suffering from a hydraulic problem on his Red Bull. The two French Pierre Gasly et Esteban Ocon are out of the top 10: the pilot Alpha Tauri finished the session in 14th place (+2″275), while the driver Alpine took the 16th time (+2″437), he who drove little during FP1, immobilized in his garage.

The weather, threatening throughout the session, deteriorated at the end of the session with a few drops of rain in the last 10 minutes. Some drivers made mistakes: Mick Schumacher at the exit of Les Combes and Pierre Gasly in the Brussels bend took a little ride in the gravel traps. All drivers quickly ended their session 5 minutes from the checkered flag, before leaving for start simulations at the end of the session.

The ranking of Free Practice 2

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