Just like during the two practice sessions on Friday, Max Verstappen also set the fastest time during the third practice session for the Saudi Arabian GP. The first non-Red Bull was almost a second behind Verstappen.
GREEN LIGHT
Free Practice 3 is under way!
Time to lay down some rubber before Qualifying later #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/YRfiJWc9ql
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2023
After Max Verstappen’s two fastest times during the practice sessions on Friday, the Dutchman and Red Bull also seemed to be the big favorites during the second race weekend of the season. What was the competition able to do during the last practice session? Like Red Bull, Aston Martin again seemed to be very competitive.
Lance Stroll is first out on track
What can the @AstonMartinF1 cars achieve this weekend we wonder? #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/OcN9xi0TcF
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2023
On the Jeddah Corniche Circuit it was a challenge to find a free round without traffic, Lewis Hamilton also experienced this in his Mercedes F1 car.
Lewis Hamilton has his lap interrupted by multiple traffic moments out on track!
It’s getting very busy out there #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Pn4X29HrJX
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2023
Dutchman Nyck de Vries could only dream of encountering traffic on the track. De Vries had to watch from the garage because his team was busy with an engine change on his AlphaTauri F1 car.
Nyck de Vries watches on from the garage
The Dutchman is not participating in FP3 as his team makes a power unit change #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/sxp5IXcvWI
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2023
For the drivers who were on track, it was looking for the limit of the car and the track. Very important to know, especially with a view to qualifying later on, but at the same time as a driver you must absolutely try to avoid a crash or serious damage to the car.
WOAH ESTEBAN!
The Frenchman has a HUGE moment but manages to hold steady and keep going
That was close…….#SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Jbgxon33yw
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2023
During the end of the practice session, it almost came to a collision between Verstappen and Lando Norris. The stewards decided to investigate the incident, but fortunately Verstappen was not penalized for him.
Lando Norris’ lap is impeded as he is accidentally blocked by Max Verstappen
The Dutchman speeds up to apologise to the McLaren driver shortly after #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/LG2OpTGeKc
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 18, 2023
In the end it was Max Verstappen who set the fastest time, followed by teammate Sergio Perez in P2. Red Bull’s competition had to give in almost a second to Max Verstappen, in Formula 1 that is an eternity.