Max Verstappen set the second fastest time in the first free practice for the Grand Prix of Tuscany on Friday. The Dutchman only had to tolerate Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas in front of him at the Circuit Mugello.
The 22-year-old Verstappen reached a top time of 1.17.927 on the soft tire. The Limburger of Red Bull Racing and Bottas (1.17.879) were the only drivers to dive below the minute and eighteen seconds as the fastest lap time.
Charles Leclerc, who rides in a special dark red livery in Tuscany in honor of the thousandth race of Ferrari just like teammate Sebastian Vettel, clocked the third fastest time: 1.18.186. Bottas’ teammate Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly completed the top five.
Verstappen wants to take revenge in Tuscany for the Italian Grand Prix won by Gasly last week. He dropped out of Monza due to an engine problem and lost second place in the World Cup position to Bottas.
Top ten first free practice
- 1. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) – 1.17,879
- 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – 1.17,927
- 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1.18.186
- 4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 1.18,409
- 5. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) – 1.18,676
- 6. Esteban Ocon (Renault) – 1.18,805
- 7. Daniil Kvyat (AlphaTauri) – 1.18,839
- 8. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1,18,981
- 9. Alexander Albon (Red Bull Racing) – 1.19,068
- 10. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault) – 1.19,140
–
–
–
First ever Formula 1 race at Mugello
It is the first time that a Formula 1 race will be held at Mugello. The training sessions are therefore extra important for the teams in terms of gathering data for qualifying (Saturday) and the race (Sunday).
The Grand Prix of Tuscany is the ninth race of the season and only the first to welcome the public. This weekend a total of 3,500 spectators will be admitted to Mugello.
The second free practice is scheduled for 3 p.m. After the Grand Prix of Tuscany, the drivers have a week off before the season resumes on September 27 in Russia.
– .
