Verstappen beats the Ferraris in TL2 in Montreal

Max Verstappen outpaced his F1 title rival Charles Leclerc by just 0s081 in the second free practice session for the Canadian Grand Prix. The threat of rain diminished for the second practice session at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, giving all teams another 60 minutes of dry time.

The Dutchman's time of 1min14s127 stayed well ahead of the rest of the pack until Leclerc came within a tenth. As in TL1, Verstappen was powerful in the final third of the lap, with the RB18 doing well on the straights, while the Ferrari was more competitive in the tighter middle section.

Leclerc has yet to use the medium tires so far this weekend, suggesting that he has saved them for the race, especially if he is hit with a grid penalty for taking more power unit components.

Regardless, Ferrari was competitive with Carlos Sainz supporting his teammate in third, just over 0s2 off the pace. Sebastian Vettel was the star of the session for Aston Martin. He finished in impressive P4, just 0s315 behind Verstappen.

Fernando Alonso completed the top five for Alpine, 0s4 behind Verstappen. Pierre Gasly's improved form also continued in TL2 as he finished sixth overall ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and McLaren duo Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris.

Esteban Ocon placed two Alpines in the top 10, albeit more than half a second behind his teammate. The Frenchman had a troubled morning after suffering a right front brake problem. Sergio Perez will be scratching his head as he only managed the 11th fastest time, more than a second behind his teammate.

Lance Stroll and Lewis Hamilton had substantial deficits to their respective teammates. The seven-time champion also reverted to an older floor spec after testing an experimental version in the morning session.

Some drivers will have to see the commissioners after the session. Gasly failed to follow the race director's instructions at the final chicane as he failed to reach the tie-down pole when braking - Stroll is also under investigation for the same offense.

Vettel and Aston Martin will also be required to see the stewards after an unsafe release in the path of Kevin Magnussen's Haas. It was also déjà vu at Alfa Romeo with Valtteri Bottas sitting in the garage for most of the session: he only managed three laps in what was another session interrupted for him.

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