Belgian GP: Max Verstappen finishes fastest but crashes out of Practice Two on F1’s first day back

Max Verstappen crashed out after setting the fastest time of second practice on F1’s first day back in action after the summer break at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Verstappen had narrowly outpaced Mercedes duo Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in the qualifying simulations but ended the session against the barriers after losing the back end of his Red Bull at the Malmedy corner.

The Dutchman’s Red Bull appeared to sustain right-rear suspension damage.

“I just lost the rear, bit too much oversteer to correct and I hit the wall,” said Verstappen, who trails Hamilton by eight points in the championship.

“Before that we were very happy, a very positive start.”

Verstappen had set the pace with a best lap around the long and challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit of 1:44.472, less than a tenth clear of both Mercedes cars whose best lap times came on the medium tyres whereas the Red Bull posted its quickest lap on the grippier softs.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had earlier crashed out in the session.

Fernando Alonso was fourth quickest for Alpine ahead of AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.

Qualifying is at 2pm on Saturday, live only on Sky Sports F1.

More to follow…

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