Monaco Grand Prix | Verstappen overcomes struggles to top Monaco practice

Max Verstappen resumed normal service when he topped the times for Red Bull ahead of Monaco Grand Prix

Max Verstappen resumed normal service on Friday when he topped the times for Red Bull ahead of Charles Leclerc's Ferrari in second practice at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

The defending double world champion, who had struggled with his car in the opening session to finish sixth, was quickest in a best lap of one minute 12.462 seconds, 0.065 clear of the Monegasque local hero who is bidding for his third successive 'home' pole position.

Carlos Sainz, who was quickest in the first session, was third in the second Ferrari ahead of Aston Martin's two-time champion Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris of McLaren and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.

Last year's winner Sergio Perez was seventh in the second Red Bull ahead of a resurgent Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo and the two Alpines of French duo Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.

The session was run in near-perfect conditions, a warm afternoon sun touching 27 degrees as it shone from a wide blue sky over the Mediterranean principality. The track temperature was 45 degrees.

After an encouraging morning run behind the pace-setting Ferrari of Sainz, Hamilton quickly confirmed that Mercedes' upgrade package was working well as he topped the times on mediums in 1:15.735.

He was soon outpaced by team-mate George Russell in 1:15.482 before, in a flurry of pace, Alonso, Verstappen and Hamilton took top spot.