Verstappen fastest during third free practice Abu Dhabi

Published on 12 December 2020 by Kees-Jan Koster

Max Verstappen was the fastest in the third free practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutchman was in the lead during most of the session and did sixteen laps on the 5.554 kilometre long Yes Marina Circuit with a 1:36.251 as fastest time. Teammate Alexander Albon was half a second behind in second position. Daniel Ricciardo completed for Renault the top three.

It is 14:00 local time when the lights go green for the final free practice session of the season. It takes fifteen minutes for the first drivers to leave the pitlane. Max comes out on track ten minutes later. He sets a 1:37.175 on a set of soft tyres and takes the lead. Alexander Albon, (+0.361), Lewis Hamilton (+0.386), Lando Norris (+0.792) and Valtteri Bottas (+0.859) form the top five for the moment.

After two cool down laps Max goes again for a quick lap, before turning back to the team. With a 1:36.734 the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver strengthens his lead. Lewis Hamilton, who has recovered from coronavirus, is almost six tenths behind the Dutchman.

Not much later both Mercedes come out for another run on the red marked tyres. Lewis Hamilton improves his time to a 1:37.012, Valtteri Bottas sets a 1:37.225. The gap to Verstappen is now three and five tenths respectively. Teammate Alexander Albon is in P4, eight tenths short of Verstappen.

With fifteen minutes to go Max comes out on track again on a new set of soft tyres. The Dutchman seems to be underway to improve his time again, but he goes wide when turning into turn eight, causing him to lose momentum. Nevertheless, he comes only eleven thousandths of a second short of his fastest time. A new attempt goes without any issues and he finishes with a 1:36.251.

Verstappen’s time is secure and when the session finishes the Red Bull’s lead the time list. Behind them Daniel Ricciardo (+0.626), Esteban Ocon (+0.648), Lando Norris (+0.743) and Lewis Hamilton (+0.761) form the top six.

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Results third free practice Abu-dhabi: