Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who often performs strongly early in sprint weekends before the natural order coalesces later on, was third fastest, 0.386secs off the pace.

Williams' Carlos Sainz was fourth ahead of Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar.

Behind Verstappen, Williams' Alex Albon, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli completed the top 10.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was 12th as both he and Leclerc looked uncomfortable in their cars through the session on the demanding Lusail circuit.

Leclerc was complaining of a lack of feel through his power steering system.

Verstappen's problems included gearchanges, damping and clipping - running out of electrical energy.