Formula 1 returned to action this weekend with free practice for the Singapore Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen was unable to set the fastest time.
The Dutch driver, who was turning 25, finished FP1 in second position, 84 thousandths behind the fastest driver, Lewis Hamilton. In the second session, he finished further back, in fourth position, just over three tenths off the leader, Carlos Sainz.
However, despite not being the fastest, Verstappen was unconcerned , confident he will be in contention on a weekend where he could retain his world title.
“I think we started quite well. In FP2 we wanted to test some things, but it took them a while to change them, later we made some modifications again, which also took time, so we couldn’t ride much,” commented the Dutchman.
“However, I think our second session time is not representative. There is still a lot of room for improvement,” he added.
Due to his time in the pits, Verstappen used the last part of FP2 to do qualifying drills, instead of focusing on working towards the race as usual.
“It doesn’t matter. The most important thing is to be fast over one lap anyway,” he said when asked if it could have consequences on Sunday. “We’ll look at a lot of things. We’ve done a little long run in the first practice so I don’t think it’s the end of the world.”
When asked if he still thinks he can contend for victory in Singapore, he replied: “Of course. But if we don’t, we don’t.”
Do you want to read our news before anyone else and for free? Follow us here on our Telegram channel and you won’t miss a thing. All the information, at your fingertips!
