Max Verstappen Expects FP3 to Reveal Spa Pecking Order

Max Verstappen expects the true Belgian Grand Prix pecking order to become clear in FP3 after Red Bull Racing completed a positive opening day at Spa-Francorchamps.

Verstappen ran the original-specification rear wing after Red Bull removed its newer design because a problem had been discovered with the component. The change did not prevent him from leading FP1 before finishing third in second practice.

The Dutch driver briefly triggered a red flag in FP2 after dragging gravel onto the circuit. He also again complained about downshifts he described as unacceptable, but was generally satisfied with the RB22’s balance.

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“It went pretty well. We didn’t have any major problems and the balance was there right away. We had the car set up well and were mainly fine-tuning,” Verstappen said.

Verstappen acknowledged that some changes worked as intended while others did not produce the same result. However, he believed the available package still allowed Red Bull to complete a productive Friday.

Isack Hadjar reinforced the team’s positive start by finishing fifth in FP2. Even so, Verstappen remains unsure how much additional performance Red Bull can find before qualifying.

Verstappen finished almost half a second behind FP2 pacesetter Kimi Antonelli. He hopes Red Bull can reduce that deficit but believes the true comparison will only emerge when the teams run more representative programmes in final practice.

“We are focusing on ourselves. I don’t know how much we can achieve compared to the others. I think you will only see the real gaps in FP3. Hopefully, we can close the gap heading into qualifying,” he added.