Formula 1 | Abu Dhabi, FP3: Verstappen takes Red Bull double

The drivers took part in Abu Dhabi for the last free practice session of the year, in preparation for qualifying which will take place at 2 p.m. French time. The session took place under the sun, while the qualifiers will take place at dusk.

Mercedes F1 featured a special livery featuring the names of all race team employees, as well as the Brackley and Brixworth teams, all displayed on the W11’s bonnet (see video at the bottom of the article under results).

It took 20 minutes to see the single-seater on the track, the drivers not being determined to drive quickly on the track. On the other hand, the top pilots left as soon as there was activity on the track.

Lewis Hamilton took the fastest time for a few minutes, with a time of 1’37 “3, beaten by Max Verstappen in 1’36” 7. The Dutchman kept his time, unbeaten, even if many pilots came close.

We saw Valtteri Bottas take third place, then Lando Norris take second place, before being beaten by Renault F1 drivers, Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon.

The session was rather calm, but the laps of attack were numerous, a sign that it is indeed the qualification which was the center of attention this morning. More than ever, times have been tight.

Verstappen improved at the end of the session with a 1’36 “251, which Alex Albon approached, all the same half a second. Behind, the drivers between the third and the 16th place were held in a little more. ‘a second.

Ricciardo and Ocon follow, ahead of Hamilton, Lance Stroll, Carlos Sainz, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez. The Mercedes did not do a quick lap at the end of the session and it is difficult to know what the pace of the W11 is.

Daniil Kvyat is 11th ahead of Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gsly, and George Russell. Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Räikkönen’s Alfa Romeos follow ahead of Kevin Magnussen, Nicholas Latifi and Pietro Fittipaldi.