JAPAN: Max Verstappen showcased his prowess on the track during Friday’s opening practice for the Japanese Grand Prix. Following Red Bull’s recent setback in Singapore, the reigning world champion took control from the get-go, securing the top spot throughout the session.
Max Verstappen, at 25 years old, was on a mission to reclaim his top driver status. He clocked an impressive 1:31.647, outpacing Carlos Sainz by a notable 0.626 seconds. Lando Norris secured the third-fastest time of the session.
Undeterred by the weather conditions, with cloudy skies, sticky air, and a track temperature of 37°C coupled with 75% humidity, Verstappen’s determination was palpable. He even waited at the pit lane’s end for several minutes for FP1 to commence.
Setting the pace with his RB19 adorned with flo-viz paint, Max Verstappen’s opening gambit was a swift 1:33.7. Meanwhile, Sainz experienced an unexpected spray from Lando Norris’ McLaren, with both drivers donning the flo-viz effect.
With a mix of Pirelli’s hard, medium, and test tires in play, Verstappen continued to dominate, dropping his time to an impressive 1:33.3. As the session progressed, Verstappen transitioned to test rubber, further pushing the boundaries of his performance.
Despite Max Verstappen’s exceptional run, he expressed dissatisfaction with George Russell, feeling obstructed by the Mercedes driver. Verstappen’s sheer pace placed him 1.4 seconds ahead of teammate Sergio Perez, who was also driving on the same tires.
As the session concluded, Verstappen maintained his lead, followed by Sainz and Norris. Charles Leclerc made an impressive surge, securing fourth place, with local favourite Yuki Tsunoda earning a respectable sixth-place finish.
The session ultimately revealed Max Verstappen’s unyielding determination and ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for an electrifying weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Also Read: NASA’s Webb Telescope Discovers Carbon on Europa’s Surface, Boosting Potential for Life
