Verstappen satisfied after successful Friday at Spa: 'A good start'

During FP1 at Spa-Francorchamps, Max Verstappen had to put up with the Ferrari's of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, but during the second free practice the Dutchman pulled a large gap on the competition. Verstappen can therefore certainly be satisfied with the first day of the race weekend.

What has Red Bull Racing done between practice sessions to be able to set such a dominant time in FP2? "Not much has really changed," Verstappen told Sky Sports. "We just looked at how we can set up the car in the best possible way and I think as soon as we went out the car was feeling good."

He continued: "There are little things you want to fine-tune with the balance but basically the first run I was happy with the car." Verstappen was left with a positive feeling from the laps driven but would have liked to have covered a few more kilometres. However, he adds that this is true for everyone. "So far it has been a good start," Verstappen said.

Verstappen will start the Belgian Grand Prix with a grid penalty, as will title rival Leclerc. Both Red Bull Racing and Ferrari opted to fit their drivers with new PU parts, leaving both to fight their way through the field on Sunday. Meanwhile, the stewards are looking into a possible offence Verstappen committed when he drove away from his practice start, where he ran into Esteban Ocon. However, the incident is not yet officially 'under investigation'.