Max Verstappen had a disappointing performance in the second practice session (FP2) of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The current world champion faced several difficulties during Friday’s practices, struggling in the second sector and finishing in seventh place.
During FP2, Verstappen ran off track and expressed his frustration with the lack of grip and downforce in his RB20 car. Despite bringing a new front wing and a revised floor update to Imola, these changes seemed to work against the Red Bull team.
The 26-year-old driver vented his frustration on the team radio, expressing his struggles in controlling the car. Verstappen described the sudden increase in front grip, almost causing a spin.
Verstappen’s hopes of returning to victory in Imola were further challenged by Ferrari’s strong performance. The team’s driver led the timesheets in both FP1 and FP2. Verstappen’s teammate also struggled, finishing in eighth place in FP2.
In addition to his own frustrations, Verstappen faced other obstacles during the practices in Imola. Another driver obstructed his fast lap, causing more irritation. Although Hamilton later apologized, Verstappen continued to complain about the lack of grip and instability in the front of his RB20, especially in the second sector.
Now, Verstappen needs to recover a tenth of a second to catch Leclerc, who is seeking his first win of the 2024 season. F1 fans can expect an exciting FP3 session and a thrilling qualifying session at the iconic Autodromo Enzo E Dino Ferrari F1 circuit.
