Verstappen says Ferrari “miles ahead” at Mexican GP

Max Verstappen does not think Red Bull can challenge Formula 1 rivals Ferrari at the Mexican Grand Prix, adding the Scuderia is “miles ahead” following Friday practice.

Vettel turned in a 1m16.607s to top FP2 by 0.115s from Verstappen, who was able to place his Red Bull inbetween the Ferrari duo, outpacing Charles Leclerc by around three-tenths.

Despite finishing second-fastest in a strong afternoon showing, Verstappen suspects Ferrari will be untouchable when it turns up its engine in time for qualifying, though he hopes Red Bull will be able to fight back in the race.

“I don't think in qualifying we can fight with them,” Verstappen conceded.

“They are just too quick. The rest is all pretty much in the same speed range, but they are just miles ahead. But that's how it is at the moment.

“We just can't gain the time back in the corners unfortunately. I guess for us we just have to focus a bit more for the race, see that we can keep the tyres under control, and then I think it will still be a good race.”

Tyre degradation proved an issue throughout both practice sessions in Mexico, with graining becoming an apparent problem for most teams and drivers.

Asked how it had been to manage the issue, Verstappen replied: “Initially it felt good, but you could see everyone is having trouble with them.”

Red Bull teammate Alexander Albon ended his session in the wall after losing control of his RB15 at the high-speed Turn 7 and slamming into the barriers just 15 minutes into FP2.