Dutch driver Max Verstappen lit up the start of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend by topping Free Practice 1 with an impressive time of 1:47.070 on the iconic Spa‑Francorchamps circuit the longest track on the calendar at 7.004 km. The result signals a different tone from Red Bull this weekend, and shows that Verstappen a three‑time winner at Spa still knows the fastest way through its legendary corners.
In contrast, Mercedes looked far from its usual dominant form this season, finishing more than half a second behind the leader — an early indication that the team has yet to find the optimal setup for Friday running.
