Max Verstappen set the seventh fastest time on Saturday in the second free practice for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Formula 1. Briton George Russell set the best time. In his Mercedes he set a lap time of 1.19.457.
The Red Bull Dutchman almost gave in to Russell for a second. On Friday he was the fastest in qualifying. His teammate Sergio Pérez set the second fastest time, Monegask Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) third.
Also read: Verstappen sets best time in qualifying at Imola . circuit
sprint race
Verstappen can start from pole position on Saturday afternoon in the first sprint race of this season. That race determines the starting order for the grand prix to be held on Sunday and also provides points for the world championship.
Both Mercedes, driven by Russell and Lewis Hamilton, finished outside the top 10 on Friday. For the first time in years, therefore, no Mercedes drove in the last part of qualifying. Hamilton also showed recovery on Saturday with the fourth time.
Scoreboard
Leclerc is the leader in the World Cup standings after three races. Defending champion Verstappen is only sixth. He won one grand prix, but retired the other two.