Penalties were the biggest news of the day.
SPA-FRANCHORCHAMPS, Belgium—Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen managed to record the fastest time of the day despite small raindrops in the first and second Friday practice sessions for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. He clocked a 1:45:507 time ahead of his series challenger, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Strangely enough, all three drivers will take a penalty for race day because of replacements on their power and engine units. The penalties will drop them to the back of the grid regardless of their Saturday afternoon qualifying times.
The day’s biggest surprise was in the afternoon session when Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll finished fourth overall. Carlos Sainz Jr., who had the best time in the morning session, finished his Ferrari in fifth, while Lewis Hamilton, who got off to a slow start earlier in the day, ended up in sixth in his Mercedes. Fernando Alonso took seventh in his Alpine, and George Russell finished eighth in the second Mercedes. Daniel Ricciardo, who will be leaving his McLaren team next season, ended up in ninth. Sergio Perez, who had to fight hydraulic issues in the afternoon session, placed his Red Bull in tenth.
The rest of the week expects to have dry conditions. But on this circuit, which is the longest track on the calendar, rain can occur at any moment.
