Max Verstappen performed slightly better in the second free practice session for the British Grand Prix on Friday than in the first session. However, Ferrari and McLaren are still faster.
Verstappen clocked a 1:26.341, conceding half a second to Lando Norris’ fastest time. A significant gap, with WK leader Oscar Piastri and the two Ferrari drivers in between. Norris was clearly the fastest. Charles Leclerc also had to concede two tenths to the home driver, who recorded a 1:25.816.
Verstappen, driving with an improved floor, finished tenth in the first practice and was clearly dissatisfied. He was still not happy with the handling of the Red Bull in the second session. In the first laps on medium tires, he also did not come close to Lewis Hamilton, who was the fastest on that tire.
Even on the softest rubber, the Red Bull still seems to have shortcomings, which is in line with Verstappen’s words on Thursday. The Limburger stated that he could no longer win on his own strength with the RB21 this season.
At race pace, he did show later in the training that he was not too far from the lead, although it is clear that Ferrari has taken a step with its floor introduced in Austria. Hamilton was the fastest in the first practice.
Cloud cover during the weekend may help Verstappen
It will be colder and cloudy in Silverstone over the next two days, which will also result in a lower track temperature. This usually works in favor of the Red Bull and the Mercedes.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli was the fastest Mercedes driver in sixth place, although the Italian also conceded almost six tenths to Norris. George Russell was eighth behind Lance Stroll and therefore did not come close to the top times either.