Max Verstappen explains Spa radio message and delivers early verdict on Red Bull's pace

Max Verstappen topped the timesheets in FP1 at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, but considers FP2 the more accurate reflection of Red Bull's pace, where he finished nearly half a second behind session leader Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes. Verstappen noted it is the first time in a while that Red Bull has placed the RB22 in a good operating window from the start of a weekend, though he cautioned against drawing firm conclusions about race prospects. The team had anticipated a difficult weekend at Spa due to the circuit's strong emphasis on energy management.