The Dutchman topped both practice sessions for t🐻he Styrian Grand Prix.

In FP2, Hamilton had set a faster lap time than Verstappen but th𓂃e seven-time champion’s 1m05.335s was deleted for track limits at Turn 10.

Given Hamilton’s pace, Verstappen ex𝓡pects it to be another “tight” battle for pole on Saturday.

“Yeah well I mean second practice Lewis was faster but his lap time got deleted so looks a bit different from what I think is shown at the moment,” Verstappen said. “Overall I think it has been qu♐ite good f🎶or us. A few things to look into but overall I’m quite happy with where the car is.

“If that’s possible already in FP2 I’m sure towards quali♏fying, well we have to see and wait what the weather will do, but overall yeah I think it will be again very tight.”

Sergio Perez couldn’t match the pace of his teammate, ending the afternoon session down in nin🍌th place.

The Mexican remains unconcerned by his lack of pace and is confident of finding gains overnight๊ heading into qualifying. 

“Yeah I am not concerned at all,” Perez added. “Obviously here finding a few tenths makes a huge difference so I think we are in the mix. Hopefully tomorrow come qualifyin𒀰g and we are able to put a great lap together in Q3.

“Track conditions were good. I think the track was improving as we went through. It will be interesting to see what happens overnight but most importantly I think fro⛦m our side we just have to find a bit of fine-t🍬uning. 

“We seem to have the same issues in practice where I am n🧜ot so comfortable with the car. I went in one direction and it’s probably not the right one. I am not concerned at all. I do think we do have good pace, the long run pace seemed to be promising so if we are able to find a couple of tenths overnight then we are in the fight for tomorrow which is imp🧸ortant.”