The defending champion and current leader of the championship overtook Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) in the afternoon, who is only 81/1000th behind him.
Carlos Sainz's other Ferrari finished the day with the third fastest time, ahead of Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin).
For Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) on the other hand, the setbacks continue with a 13th place only during the second session.
The Briton complained of an "undriveable" car as his team tried a new solution on their floor.
.
2nd free practice session:
Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:14.127 (33 laps)
Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:14.208 (32)
Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari) 1:14.352 (32)
Sebastian Vettel (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:14.442 (35)
Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:14.543 (24)
Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri-Red Bull) 1:14.879 (34)
George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 1:14.971 (31)
Lando Norris (GBR/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:14.987 (30)
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes) 1:15.033 (31)
Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine-Renault) 1:15.119 (32)
Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) 1:15.167 (29)
Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:15.396 (34)
Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:15.421 (25)
Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari) 1:15.499 (34)
Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas-Ferrari) 1:15.516 (35)
Zhou Guanyu (CHN/Alfa Romeo) 1:15.526 (31)
Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/AlphaTauri-Red Bull) 1:15.567 (37)
Alexander Albon (THA/Williams-Mercedes) 1:16.171 (30)
Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams-Mercedes) 1:16.509 (27)
Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Alfa Romeo) 0.000 (3)
© 2022 AFP