Malaysia – Free Practice 3: Hamilton takes the lead over Verstappen
For the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, rubber type was of little importance, and they were impressive with both compounds. Only Max Verstappen and his Red Bull managed to get between the two men.
Serenity reigns within the Mercedes team as they approach this final practice session of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
While a few drivers take to the track to set an initial benchmark, it will take a good quarter of an hour, in a session that lasts 60 minutes, to see a silver arrow make its move.
Nico Rosberg set an initial significant benchmark with a 1:36.361 before Lewis Hamilton, on Medium and worn tires, recorded an impressive 1:35.612, eventually outdone by Daniel Ricciardo and his Red Bull with a 1:35.461… but on Soft tires.
In the French camp, difficulties are still present for Romain Grosjean, who makes a mistake during his initial laps. The Haas driver clearly struggles to understand what is happening, complaining once again about his car and its behavior on the track.
What the…? 🙈#MalaysiaGP 🇲🇾 #FP3 pic.twitter.com/zim7Yzs6k5
— Formula 1 (@F1) 1 octobre 2016
The Ferraris seem to be having a bit more difficulty than yesterday, and Sebastian Vettel is struggling to set a significant time. We’ll have to wait until the end of the session to see the German climb into the Top 5, but he’s more than 7 tenths behind Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.
On the contrary, the Red Bull, and to a lesser extent the Force India, are experiencing a resurgence in form that could well allow them to play a role in the qualifying sessions.
The session ends with Hamilton’s fastest time, marking his first point in the duel with Nico Rosberg in the quest for the world title.
PROVISIONAL CLASSIFICATION – END OF #FP3
Just 0.291 between P2 and P5
Next up we have #Quali in just under two hours’ time ⏰#MalaysiaGP pic.twitter.com/3rSseFaFWd
— Formula 1 (@F1) 1 octobre 2016
