Bahrain Grand Prix – Free Practice 3: Piastri impressed, Gasly and Hadjar confirmed

As soon as the session opened, the overheated track of Sakhir did not allow the teams to fully validate their setups for the nighttime qualifications. However, the lap times quickly improved until Oscar Piastri made a strong impression: a 1:31.646 which left everyone at a good distance. The Australian seemed to be racing at a different pace, relegating Lando Norris to more than six-tenths behind.

Gasly and Hadjar solid in the top 10

Already convincing on Friday, Pierre Gasly and Isack Hadjar once again showcased their strengths. The Alpine driver temporarily held the top spot before sliding to an encouraging 6th place. Isack Hadjar continues to impress in his debut in Bahrain, securing the 7th fastest time, less than a tenth behind his compatriot.

Esteban Ocon also showed great things. The Norman finished 11th, just ahead of Jack Doohan, rounding out the strong Alpine team dynamic.

Russell lying in wait, Leclerc in the rhythm

George Russell, despite a difficult start to the session marked by a lock-up at the first corner followed by a spin at turn 10, managed to step up his game to clinch the 2nd provisional place. He could well play the spoilsport as qualifying approaches.

On the Ferrari side, Charles Leclerc experienced an unusual mishap: the left mirror of his SF-25 came loose, bringing back bad memories of the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix. That did not prevent him from reaching the 3rd place, two-tenths behind Lando Norris.

Hamilton and Verstappen more discreet

Lewis Hamilton never seemed able to compete. More than six-tenths behind Leclerc, he is only in 10th place. Max Verstappen, quiet until then, still found a bit of pace to record the 8th best time.

The ranking of Free Practice 3: