Grand Prix of the Netherlands – Free Practice 3: Verstappen dominates on wet track

Liam Lawson replaces Daniel Ricciardo, who got injured yesterday during the second free practice session. The Australian is suffering from a metacarpal fracture in his left hand. The New Zealand rookie will therefore start the GP weekend with this free practice session, which will take place in the rain.

Magnussen crashes his Haas at the beginning of the session

After ten minutes of the session, only a few drivers have completed a timed lap. The track is wet, and the qualifying session is supposed to take place on a dry track, so there is no need to take risks. However, Max Verstappen is doing a few laps, including one that could have ended badly after going off track without any major consequences.

This is not the case for Kevin Magnussen, who as soon as he exits the pits, sends his car into the concrete wall. An off-track excursion at low speed caused by intermediate tires not yet at the proper temperature. Unfortunately, his session is over. The left front suspension is torn off. Thus, he causes the first red flag.

Pirouettes Festival

The track remained wet throughout the session, causing several drivers to make mistakes. The single-seaters, presumably set up for dry conditions, are very unstable in these conditions. Thus, we can note Esteban Ocon going off track after a wheel lock-up under braking, as well as Liam Lawson spinning and causing another red flag.

It is worth noting that Charles Leclerc is benefiting from a new gearbox starting from this session. This is the fourth one this season. He is therefore using the latest one assigned within his quota without penalty.

The McLarens confirm their potential

Even though performances should be interpreted with caution and certainly do not fully determine everyone’s potential for qualifications given the wet conditions, it is important to note that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri remained at the top of the hierarchy until the end of the session with the 2nd and 3rd fastest times. They were only displaced from these positions in the final laps when the track gradually started to gain grip.

On his side, Max Verstappen doesn’t even leave crumbs for his opponents and takes the fastest time ahead of George Russell’s Mercedes, his teammate Perez, and Alonso’s Aston Martin. On the French side, Pierre Gasly is in 11th place and Esteban Ocon, having a bit more difficulty, positions himself in 16th place.

The results of Free Practice 3 for the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix F1