Max Verstappen’s Australian GP weekend got off to a frustrating start when a trip across the grass did enough damage to force him to end his FP2 session early.
The Dutchman was only sixth fastest in the second session as RBR struggled to match Mercedes and Ferrari.
“Today was about trying to find and improve the balance of the car after getting out on track for the first Friday practice of the year,” he said. “We are about where I expected us to be, we have some work to do overnight to make sure we are in a good position for tomorrow and can get the best out of the car.”
Regarding the incident, he said: “I ran wide and ended up on the grass which unfortunately damaged the floor and cut short the second session for me. Mercedes seem quick once again so they are the target to beat but we must also do some work overnight to be ahead of Ferrari who also look strong. Hopefully we will have a good start on Sunday, then we are at the front and can make it hard to overtake.”
