Verstappen tops Miami FP2 as Leclerc crashes out

Max Verstappen powered to the top of the timing screens ahead of the two Ferraris in the second Formula 1 free practice session in Miami.

The reigning World Champion overcame minor headrest issues to set the pace in a tricky final session of Friday practice. The Red Bull driver clocked a 1:27.930 to lead by almost four tenths of a second over Carlos Sainz.

With Leclerc taking third, there was less than one tenth of a second between the two Ferrari drivers, but Leclerc's session was brought to an end with a mistake at Turn 7.

The Monegasque had to correct an oversteer moment heading into left-hander, and the correction caused the Ferrari to run wide and tag the barriers, although damage appeared to be limited to the front-right corner of the car.

Sergio Perez took fourth in the second Red Bull, but the Mexican will be concerned by the almost half-second deficit to his teammate in the qualifying simulations.

Fernando Alonso took fifth for Aston Martin, ahead of an impressive showing from Lando Norris in the renewed McLaren.

Lewis Hamilton was the lead Mercedes in P7, but the Briton was one of several drivers to make a mistake at the difficult Turn 14-15 chicane, running wide and cutting the corners in order to survive.

Lance Stroll took eighth in the second Aston Martin, ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon and Williams' Alex Albon.

There was an early spin for the Haas of Kevin Magnussen. The Dane lost control under braking for the Turn 14-15 chicane and brushed the barrier. However, he appeared to avoid any lasting damage.