Max Verstappen was up to his speed again on Friday in Portimao, but he was not the fastest in either session. In the first practice session, he had Valtteri Bottas to beat, in the afternoon it was Lewis Hamilton. The second training session was not without problems either for Verstappen.
At the start of the second free practice session, Verstappen reported problems with his brake-by-wire system, after which he returned to the pits. After fifteen minutes the problem seemed to be solved and Verstappen could go out again, while the rest of the field came in after their first run.
Verstappen explains that the slippery tarmac made it tricky. "I know it's the same for everyone, but it was super slippery and not very nice to drive on," Verstappen tells Verstappen.com. "The car felt good, but we have work to do for tomorrow."
He also says that the conditions are similar to last year, but that the changes to the tyres and the cars this year are causing a loss of grip. "It's very tricky on the track and that's a shame because this track is great. It's all about tyre temperatures, and it shouldn't be," said Verstappen.