Early end to Max' FP2 after crash: 'Tricky with the wind'

Published on 28 June 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen’s track time during free practice two at the Red Bull Ring was unfortunately curtailed to just thirteen laps. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver lost control of his RB15 into turn ten and crashed into the tyre barrier. The Dutchman was unharmed but his car suffered enough damage to mark the end of his Friday running. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was quickest, ahead of Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and Max’ team mate Pierre Gasly.

“I was telling the team that the wind was making it tricky and it kept changing. Some places the rear of the car stepped out. When I crashed, the same happened and we could see that on the data too. The cars are very sensitive to the wind, you could see the same happening to Valtteri (Bottas)”, explained Max. “A crash isn’t helpful, but it happens. Thankfully we can repair the damage. We also used a gearbox we only use for Friday running so that’s not an issue either.”

Nevertheless, Max reflects positively on his Friday: “I drove the car with a good feeling. The laps looked good despite a bit of traffic. Of course, we have work to do; the balance between cornering and top speed can always be improved. We’ll have a look at that tonight.”

Finally, Max shared his opinion regarding the ‘sausage’ kerbs. The ones at turn nine have wrecked several front wings. “I think they’re terrible. The solution in turn one and three is better. If they had placed the yellow kerbs in the direction of driving, you would’ve lost time too. Now, it just unnecessarily destroys front wings.”

Half an hour into the session, it is the usual suspects at the top of the timing sheets with Bottas setting the pace ahead of Hamilton, followed by Sebastian Vettel and Max.

Moments later, the red flag is waved; Max has crashed at turn ten and has heavily damaged the rear of his car, signalling the end of the Red Bull ace’s Friday.

After the track is cleared, the session esumes but not for long. Valtteri Bottas loses control in turn six and ends op in the gravel traps with a heavily damaged Mercedes. The result is another red flag.

With half an hour on the clock, the session continues. The green flag running is once again short-lived. This time Sebastian Vettel loses control of his Ferrari in the same spot where Max sent his RB15 spinning. The German manages to stop his car before it hits the barrier, so the flags waved remain yellow and not red.

In the remainder of the session the teams focus on long runs, resulting in no improved lap times.

Austrian GP contest: win a 1:43 scale model of Max' victory in Austria 2018!

Results second free practice Austria: