No lap time set by Max in first Interlagos practice

Published on 15 November 2019 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen did not set a lap time in the opening practice session of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos. His Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team mate, Alex Albon was quickest, followed by Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

When the pitlane opens for the first session of the weekend, rain is pouring down and the track is soacked. Apart from a few installation laps on full-wet Pirelli tyres, none of the drivers opt to clock a time.

Twenty minutes in, Carlos Sainz is the first driver to complete a timed lap. After half an hour, Max heads out on intermediate Pirellis but returns to the team after an installation lap. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has also opted for the inters and clocks the quickest time thus far.

Thirty minutes from the end, Bottas heads the timing sheets with Grosjean, Perez, Max, Hamilton and Albon all lacking a lap time. Upon his first lap, Albon goes straight to P1. His second effort cements the Thai’s grip of the top spot.

With five minutes to go, Max, Leclerc, Hamilton and Albon return to the track with slicks. In an attempt to complete his first timed lap, Max spins into the first corner but is able to return to the pits safely and without any further consequences. His RBR team mate is less lucky. Albon damages his RB15 heavily after making contact with the tyre wall. The result is a red flag and an early end to FP1.

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