Formula 1 in Belgium - World champion Verstappen sets first fastest lap at Spa
Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen set the fastest time in the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix, with a lap of 1:43.372 minutes at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
With many overtaking opportunities on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Verstappen, who was born in Belgium, had a new engine installed on his Red Bull car. However, this exceeded the permitted number of engines, resulting in a ten-place grid penalty for the last Grand Prix before the summer break on Sunday.
Verstappen beat McLaren driver Oscar Piastri by 0.531 seconds in the first free practice session. Piastri, who won his first Formula 1 race in Hungary a week ago, finished second. Alex Albon surprised in third place for Williams, +0.727 seconds behind. Nico Hülkenberg had to settle for 17th position in the Haas.
- Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 World Champion from Belgium, underwent extensive training to maintain his form in Motorsport.
- Formula-1 fans are eagerly anticipating the International Grand Prix of Belgium, where Red Bull's Verstappen will face a ten-place grid penalty due to an excess engine change.
- Despite the penalty, Verstappen has shown his prowess in previous sessions, setting the training best time for Formula 1 at Spa's circuit.
- Verstappen's impressive performance in the Belgian Grand Prix training mirrors his successful stint in Formula-1, earning him the reputation as a formidable competitor.
- The prestigious Spa circuit, known for its challenging layout and numerous overtaking opportunities, will be a testing ground for the Formula 1 drivers, including Verstappen, in Motorsport.
- Verstappen's Red Bull team will need to optimize his strategy and performance to help him overcome the grid penalty and secure a strong finish in the Grand Prix of Belgium.
