Max Verstappen also set the best time in the second free practice for the Styrian Grand Prix. The fastest lap of the Dutch driver over the Red Bull Ring in Austria went in 1.05,412. Verstappen was also the best in the first session (1.05,910).
Australian Daniel Ricciardo set the second-fastest time in the McLaren, 0.336 behind his former teammate. Frenchman Esteban Ocon (Alpine) finished third, and Lewis Hamilton finished fourth.
The British leader of Mercedes is Verstappen’s main rival in the battle for the world title. The Dutchman has a 12-point lead after his victory in France last week.
Valtteri Bottas provided the most striking moment of the training. The Finn spun when he drove away a little too enthusiastically after practising a pit stop. Bottas lost control of his Mercedes and went around in circles.
He was lucky that he didn’t hit anyone in the narrow pit lane. Bottas must answer to the stewards.