Russell tops FP3 ahead of F1 Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying - Motorsport

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Geroge Russell claims the top spot in F1 FP3 at the Abu Dhabi GP for Mercedes ahead of this afternoon’s qualifying.

Quiet start to FP3 for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

Following a brief wait as the track went green, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was first to brave the circuit. He was then joined by teammate Lance Stroll as the first five minutes of the session passed uneventfully.

Both Aston Martins soon returned to the garage having completed some gentle install laps. Alpine’s Franco Colapinto was next to enjoy the clear Yas Marina circuit. Pierre Gasly then joined his teammate as the Alpine duo also completed their install laps. Colapinto was first to set a timed lap with a 1:26.591, soon beaten by Gasly’s 1:25.984.

With just over ten minutes gone from the session, Lando Norris became the first of the championship contenders to hit the track. He was shortly joined by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Norris quickly put himself on top of the timesheets with a 1:22.728 despite an error at the hairpin. Leclerc meanwhile managed a 1:25.756.

Congestion on track in FP3 for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

With 20 minutes gone from the session there was a rush onto the track as times began flooding in. Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda was closest to Norris with a 1:24.893 before Norris improved to 1:24.553. Championship contender Piastri managed only 1:25.128 on his opening attempt, quickly dropping down the order as others improved.

Haas’ Ollie Bearman caught attention on his opening attempt, just 0.008s off Norris at the top. Norris meanwhile had a close call with Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda as he took to the run off in order to avoid the slow moving Japanese driver.

Next to set the pace was Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton with a 1:24.470, only briefly however as Verstappen claimed the top spot with a 1:24.245 on his opening attempt. Lance Stroll then nabbed P2 from Hamilton, just 0.059s off Verstappen.

Just shy of halfway through the session and the Mercedes duo of Russell and Antonelli became the final 2 to hit the track. An opening time of 1:25.117 from Russell slotted him into P11. Antonelli on the other hand managed a 1:25.431, good enough for P17, albeit on medium tyres.

Hamilton brings out red flag

Just over halfway through the session, the red flag was thrown as Hamilton suffered a spin into the wall at turn 9. He lost the rear on corner entry.

Final push in FP3 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

With 17 minutes remaining on the clock of FP3 for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP, the pit exit opened and there was once again a flurry of activity as most drivers had queued in the pitlane. The Racing Bulls duo of Lawson and Hadjar led the charge back on track as the light went green.

Verstappen proceeded to lay down the gauntlet, extending his lead at the top with a 1:24.116. Piastri however had an answer, beating Verstappen by over half a second with a 1:23.593. Norris then responded, a strong final sector leading him to a 1:23.338 to take the top spot. With the times dropping rapidly, Hulkenberg nabbed P3 with a 1:23.870, splitting the championship contenders.

The drama wasn’t over in the session, as Antonelli had a coming together with Yuki Tsunoda in the pitlane, damaging both cars. Verstappen then left plenty of space as he passed the scene moments later.

Not to be outdone, George Russell caught everyone’s attention as he pipped Norris by just 0.004s to take the top spot in the final five minutes of the session. Verstappen also managed an improvement to 1:23.514, beating Piastri but still behind Norris.