Red Bulls keep out of the walls in Monaco

Spanish Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen returned to competitive F1 action by setting the fifth fastest time in the first free practice session of the Monaco Grand Prix.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th May 2016, 10:36 BST

Updated 26th May 2016, 11:55 BST

Max Verstappen kicks up sparks in Monaco

On Monaco’s unique Thursday practice day, Verstappen set a time of 1:16.371 good enough for fifth place.

He was beaten though by his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who was fourth fastest with a time of 1:16.308.

The session was littered with yellow flags and virtual safety car periods, as Williams’ Felipe Massa and Renault driver Joleon Palmer hit the close walls around the Monte Carlo circuit, while Esteban Gutierrez’s Haas broke down, and a loose drain cover brought about an early end to the session.

The second free practice session starts at 1pm.