Verstappen overcomes struggles to top second Monaco practice

World champion Max Verstappen set the fastest time in the second free practice ahead of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.

The Dutchman managed a 1:12.462 during qualifying simulations on the soft tires. Thus he beat local favorite Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by 0.065 seconds.

Scuderia co-driver Carlos Sainz, who was fastest in first practice earlier today, was third in the second hour of practice, 0.107s behind Verstappen. Sainz also caused the only red flag in the second practice after crashing in the wall at the exit from the complex around the pool.

The Top 3️⃣ of FP2 at the #MonacoGP

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1. Max Verstappen
2. Charles Leclerc
3. Carlos Sainz pic.twitter.com/GB2QOU3iUD

— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) May 26, 2023

The Spaniard was too aggressive in the first part of the second poolside chicane and touched the guardrail, breaking his front right suspension. This sent his car out of control and he was unable to avoid the more serious wall at the exit of the chicane.