Verstappen ends Barcelona test on top

Spanish Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen put Red Bull on top on the final day of Formula 1’s in-season test at Barcelona.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a productive day testing Renault’s upgraded engine alongside aerodynamic updates, which yielded a session best 1:23.267s set on soft tyres.

Verstappen’s time proved to be just shy of Sebastian Vettel’s benchmark posted on the opening day. The Red Bull rookie managed to log 118 valuable laps.

The Dutchman took over the testing duties from Ricciardo who recorded 89 laps on Tuesday.

McLaren ended the day as Red Bull’s nearest rivals with reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne 0.7s adrift.

The Belgian’s time came after a run on super-soft compound rubber as the Woking team continued to trial a range of new upgrades.

Pascal Wehrlein posted the third fastest time following his late call up to drive for Mercedes as a replacement for Esteban Ocon.

The world champion team felt it needed a driver with more experience to evaluate new developments.

Haas F1 continued its strong showing with Esteban Gutierrez fourth quickest. The Mexican was tasked with developing aerodynamic updates with his best time arriving on super-soft tyres.

Ferrari academy driver Antonio Fuoco produced a solid performance as he chalked up 118 laps, recording a time good enough for fifth.

Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat was sixth as he continued to adapt to his new surroundings. The Russian did however bring out the red flags when his car ground to a halt on the circuit in the afternoon.

GP2 driver Jordan King caused the only other stoppage when he ran wide and kicked up gravel on the circuit which required officials to sweep the section of track.

The Brit completed the session in 10th behind Force India’s Alfonso Celis, Renault’s Kevin Magnussen and the Williams of Felipe Massa.

Result: Formula 1 Barcelona Test Day 2