Carlos Sainz set the fastest time in the first free practice session this Friday at the Hungaroring circuit, while Charles Leclerc led the second practice to complete a day of total domination by Ferrari.
Max Verstappen, current leader of the championship, finished second just over a tenth behind the Spanish driver in FP1, but in FP2 he could not get past fourth place, 0.283 seconds off Leclerc ‘s best time, with a surprising Lando Norris second and Sainz third.
As soon as Friday’s day ended, the Dutch Red Bull driver explained his feelings and was a little concerned about the difference between his car and both Ferraris .
“It’s been a bit tricky, as expected, I think here it’s about finding a bit of a balance between high and low speed. Sometimes it works a little better and sometimes it’s a bit tricky. But yes, you have to work a bit more,” Verstappen said.
When asked if Ferrari was faster than Red Bull, the Dutchman had no problem acknowledging that the Maranello team seem to be a step ahead and even admitted that it would be difficult for him for the rest of the weekend.
“Yes, I think they are a little bit ahead of us and I think it will be difficult for us to get past them. But I think overnight we will try to close the gap as much as possible and we will see what the weather brings tomorrow.”
According to the weather forecast for Saturday, high chances of rain are expected during the qualifying session, and even rain could appear on Sunday at race time as well. For Verstappen , that is the only card Red Bull has left.
“I think in the dry we can’t compete, so maybe in the rain we can do it, who knows?” explained the reigning Formula 1 world champion.
In reference to whether he was surprised by McLaren’s performance after Norris ‘ second place in Free Practice 2, the Dutchman recalled his eyes are on Ferrari only.
“We’ll see tomorrow, or in the race. They look competitive, that’s true, but our main target is still Ferrari ,” the energy drinks team driver concluded.
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