Max in P4 in third free practice in Germany

Published on 10 October 2020 by Kees-Jan Koster

Max Verstappen set the fourth time in the third free practice session for the Eifel Grand Prix. It was the first time this weekend that the Formula 1 cars were driving at the Nürburgring, as Friday completely rained out. In the busy session Max drove 24 laps and set his fastest time of 1:28.896, being six tenths slower than the fastest man Valtteri Bottas. Lewis Hamilton finished second, with Charles Leclerc in P3.

After not being able to drive on the Friday because of the weather, it was dry and sunny at the start of the third free practice, though the outside temperature was with eight degrees Celsius still cold.

Virtually all drivers come out on track straight away to catch up on the time lost on Friday. Max comes out with flowviz paint on the front wheel suspension of his RB16, to visualise the airflow. On a set of medium tyres Max sets his first flying lap times. Not much later he improves is time (1:28.684) and strengthens this first position.

After a run of eight laps Verstappen makes a pitstop and comes out with a new set of medium tyres. A little later spins Sebastian Vettel while exiting the last chicane. The home driver manages to get his Ferrari right on track again and can continue.

After a stint of six laps Max returns to the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing garage. While Verstappen is in the pits, several drivers go under his time. With 25 minutes to go Verstappen comes back out on track with a set of the soft tyres on his car. George Russel then spins his car in the last chicane. After a big slide on the slippery grass is the Williams driver able to gat back on the track without any damage. Max sets a time of 1:27.071 on his new soft tyres and is back in first position.

With only five minutes to go spins Nicholas Latifi in the last corner. With some difficulty the Canadian can point his Williams in the right direction. Max is also back on track, he is hindered by the Latifi’s spin, but still improves his time (1:26.896). Max finishes the session in fourth position driving 24 laps.

Valtteri Bottas sets the fastest time, followed by Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc sets the third time in his Ferrari. Lance Stroll did not participate in the third free practice session, because he was not feeling well. It is questionable if he can take part in qualifying, which starts at 15:00 Dutch time.

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Results third free practice Germany: