FP3 at the 2026 F1 Austrian GP has been completed, view the full session report here just before Qualifying gets underway.
Cadillac’s Sergio Pérez was the first driver to head out in FP3 on medium tyres, with the session proving crucial after the team’s upgraded package encountered problems on Friday. While the revised bodywork was introduced to improve cooling, Pérez also encountered engine issues in both FP1 and FP2, leaving Cadillac hoping for a cleaner and more representative final practice session ahead of Qualifying.
With 40 minutes remaining, the entire field had ventured onto the circuit. Both McLarens showed encouraging pace on the soft tyres, but it was Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell who rose to the top of the timesheets, holding an advantage of around three tenths over the papaya cars.
Red Bull also appeared to have resolved the balance issues that hampered them on Friday. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar looked significantly more competitive, with both drivers showing stronger pace than they had managed in the opening two practice sessions.
Antonelli extended his lead
Antonelli improved on his earlier benchmark in the FP3 F1 Austrian GP session, lowering his time from a 1:07.533 to a 1:07.134 to extend his advantage over teammate Russell to 0.416s. Behind the Mercedes pair, Leclerc, Verstappen, Piastri and Norris all lapped within half a second of Antonelli’s fastest effort.
Further down the order, Pérez appeared to be focusing on race simulations, completing a lengthy 21-lap stint on the medium tyres while running 19th. Aston Martin also opted for the medium compound during the middle phase of the session, suggesting a similar programme.
Qualifying simulations coming into play to close the session
With around 15 minutes remaining, the drivers returned to the track on fresh soft tyres for their final qualifying simulations before the battle for pole later in the afternoon. Ferrari’s engine upgrade appeared to be paying dividends, with Lewis Hamilton closing to within 0.077s of Antonelli’s benchmark to move into second on the timesheets.
At the other end of the order, Williams, Cadillac and Aston Martin continued to struggle for outright pace around the Red Bull Ring, with all three teams unable to match the frontrunners during the closing stages of the session.
Russell found time in the final sector on his last flying lap, carrying less understeer through Turns 6 to 10 to move to the top of the timesheets. His lap was enough to edge teammate Antonelli by just 0.038s, securing a Mercedes one-two in the final practice session.
Hamilton completed the top three, while Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, Leclerc, Hadjar, Lawson and Lindblad rounded out the top 10.
