Verstappen satisfied with opening day in Abu Dhabi

Max Verstappen finished second and fifth during the opening two sessions of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and despite the contrasting results, the Dutchman is still relatively pleased with the day's work.

Verstappen came second in FP1 at the Yas Marina circuit, setting a time of 1:37.492 only being beaten by Valtteri Bottas. However, in FP2 the Red Bull driver dropped down to fifth as Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel all improved during the penultimate practice session.

Despite being slightly off the pace in FP2 Verstappen admits he's actually quite satisfied with the day.

"It was okay," said Verstappen in the Red Bull garage.

Valterri Bottas topped both sessions and his teammate Lewis Hamilton helped secure a Mercedes one-two. Verstappen admits it is going to be tough to catch them.

"Mercedes still looks very strong but that is not really a big surprise," he added.