Russia – Free Practice 3: Ferraris Prevail, Mercedes Close Behind

This is the start of the second day of free practice in Sochi, the sky is rather menacing, with a few rain droplets having fallen earlier in the morning. Rain could make an appearance at this last free practice session in Russia. The track temperature still reaches 27.1°C.

For this final free practice session, most drivers are running with red-banded tires.

Lando Norris is the first to take to the track, however, it’s Albon who sets the first time at 1:37:881. 13 minutes into the session, Norris takes the lead again with 1:35:775. Bottas, on soft tires, takes to the track and sets a time four-tenths off Norris. Vettel then lays down the best time on the asphalt.

Kvyat’s car stranded by the roadside due to yet another engine failure leads to the deployment of the virtual safety car almost halfway through the session. The single-seater is quickly cleared, and the race can resume.

Leclerc sets a time close to the FP2 in 1:33.906. For now, the Ferraris are leading these practice sessions.

Good news for Mercedes, Bottas’s red tyres seem to be holding up, he even takes the second place with his worn tyres.

Vettel improves but Leclerc immediately responds, the Ferraris are in good shape. Hamilton slots in between the two red cars, but for how long?

With 5 minutes remaining in the session, Verstappen, having spun out, returns to the pits to check for any damage to his car. Perez, on the other hand, goes straight due to a wheel lock-up.

On the French side, Grosjean is doing well as he scores the sixth-fastest time, while Gasly only manages to secure the eleventh place.

It is ultimately the prancing horse brand that prevails at the end of this final qualifying session, with Leclerc ahead of his teammate.