Mexico – Free Practice 3: Ferrari on Top Again

Even before the start of the session, we learned that Pierre Gasly, feeling unwell, would not be able to participate in the entirety of Free Practice 3. What a shame given the pace of Toro Rosso and the Frenchman during the first two practice sessions. The Norman drove nonetheless during the last fifteen minutes.

Due to a very slippery wet track, even with intermediate tires, drivers taking to the track were rare. Halfway through the session, only 7 had left their garages.

Registered on intermediate tires, Max Verstappen held the best time of the session with a lap of 1’26’118. Lewis Hamilton was four-tenths behind, just ahead of the second Red Bull of Alexander Albon.

With about fifteen minutes remaining, the track was dry enough to put on soft tires and get rid of the intermediate ones. The first to take advantage was Kimi Räikkönen, who had been one of the drivers to do the most laps on a wet track.

The Red Bulls quickly set the pace with the Thai driver briefly leading his garage neighbor. A short-lived celebration for the red bulls. Indeed, hindered in traffic, the fastest laps temporarily went to the Mercedes and then the Ferraris. Ultimately, it’s Charles Leclerc who finishes first in FP3, 23 thousandths ahead of Sebastian Vettel.

Highlight the impressive performance of Pierre Gasly, who, despite his feverish condition, recorded the 7th fastest time. Ahead of Daniil Kvyat but especially ahead of Alexander Albon, with whom he is competing for the Red Bull seat for next year.

Renault’s nightmare continues. Due to hydraulic leaks on both cars, Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hülkenberg did not complete any timed laps.