P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen was first and third in the two Friday practice session at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen is aiming for a better balance in his Red Bull to make up for his Belgian Grand Prix grid penalty. He received a 10-place demotion at Spa for using his fifth internal combustion engine of the season, placing him at best 11th on the grid. Red Bull has taken grid penalties with Verstappen in both 2022 and 2023 at Spa, resulting in wins, but the trade-offs are proving challenging. Verstappen struggled with finding the right balance between high and low downforce in the different sectors of the track. Despite positive initial results, especially in the first session, adjustments will be needed after changes made during the second session. Due to the engine change and subsequent penalty, Verstappen acknowledges the need for further optimization as he prepares for potentially wet qualifying in the Ardennes Forest.
