Summary FP2: Verstappen finishes in P1, Mercedes just behind

Max Verstappen set the fastest time during the second free practice for the French Grand Prix. With a time of 1:32:872 the Dutchman was slightly quicker than his Mercedes competitors.

The pair of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton started the hour, just like the first free practice, in an excellent way. Both drivers set the two fastest times immediately and stayed ahead of Verstappen and Sergio Pérez. After fifteen minutes the Dutchman had to come in to the pits, because he drove too far over the kerbs. Red Bull Racing called him in because he lost some of his front wing.

Verstappen stayed in the pits for a while, but once he emerged he showed his excellent form. On the softest compound, Verstappen set the fastest time of the afternoon, giving him confidence for the important qualifying session on Saturday. While Bottas and Hamilton finished second and third respectively, Pérez finished a disappointing 12th.

Important qualifying for Verstappen

The Dutch driver is currently four points ahead of Hamilton in the world championship, but the Englishman hopes to change that this weekend. In Azerbaijan, Hamilton appeared set to retake the lead, but the seven-time world champion made a crucial mistake during the restart. As a result of this, he needs a good race in France.