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Nobody took the third free practice session of the Abu Dhabi GP too seriously: the session took place in full sun at temperatures that will not be recorded in qualifying (asphalt 35 degrees). Judging from the calendar, it seems that Mercedes appeared in crisis with Lewis Hamilton fifth and Valtteri Bottas even eighth. But beware, it is better not to look at the performances that are not very significant: the fastest was Max Verstappen with the Red Bull capable of 1’36 “251 on soft tires, only slightly better than yesterday’s times.
From behind emerged the Dutchman Alexander Albon, but the Anglo-Thai is half a second behind his partner who stands out in the first and third intermediate, while he continues to fight in the central part. Both RB16s raced with a single pylon supporting the rear wing, a solution to be promoted for qualifying and the race.
Behind the Milton Keynes cars we find the Renault with Daniel Ricciardo third in 1’36 “877, just 22 thousandths faster than Esteban Ocon with the other RS20. Fifth is Lando Norris surprising with McLaren: the Englishman was ahead of Lewis Hamilton of 18 thousandths In the two W11s, the names of all the members of the Brixworth and Brackley teams appeared.
Lance Stroll led Racing Point to seventh position, while Sergio Pérez with the new Mercedes engine that will force him to start last is only tenth: the Sakhir GP winner worked more for the race than for the fastest lap.
Behind the Canadian’s RP20 was the other McLaren of Carlos Sainz that preceded Valtteri Bottas by 18 thousandths.
Outside the top 10 is Daniil Kvyat with the AlphaTauri against Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, who still does not shine at Yas Marina, as Sebastian Vettel travels in 14th place. Between the two reds was placed Pierre Gasly with the AT01, while George Russell closed in 15th place with Williams ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi with Alfa Romeo again ahead of Kimi Raikkonen.
Kevin Magnussen closes with the Haas ahead of Nicholas Latifi with the Williams and the second VF-20 of Pietro Fittipaldi that leaves seven tenths to the Dane. Unfortunately, the Brazilian does not go beyond the role of extra to replace Romain Grosjean.
