Max Verstappen proved fastest once more at the Red Bull Ring this afternoon for FP2.
The threat of Mercedes’ potential to catch the charging bull is clear after Hamilton crossed the line 0.077s quicker than the Dutch driver’s fastest attempt – before it was deleted.
The British world champion’s time was swiftly taken away by Race Control for exceeding track limits at the final corner.
Speaking after FP2, Verstappen told Sky Sports F1; “Lewis was faster but his lap time got deleted so it looks a bit different than what is shown at the moment.
“But overall it has been quite good for us. Of course, a few things to look into but I’m quite happy where the car is at the moment.
“Clearly [it’s going to be close]. We’ll see what the weather will do, but I think overall it will be very tight.”
After another good session for McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo was in second, while Norris was farther back in 7th, .582s off the pace.
Alpine’s Esteban Ocon sitting third when time ran out today while his teammate Fernando Alonso was in 5th – split by Hamilton.
The second Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas (P13) took a spin in the pit lane this afternoon after losing control exiting the team’s pit box – an incident that Stewards intend to investigate now that the session is over.
Drivers will return to the track tomorrow morning at 11:00 am ahead of Qualifying at 2:00 pm.
