George Russell, with the Mercedes F1 team, set the fastest time during the final practice session for the Abu Dhabi GP. The British driver outpaced both McLaren drivers, while Max Verstappen only managed the sixth fastest time.
At 11:30 am Belgian time, the light at the exit of the pit lane turned green and the very last practice session of the 2023 F1 season began. The teams and drivers were given a last chance to prepare as best as possible for qualifying and the race on Sunday.
The teams were mainly looking forward to the battle between Mercedes and Ferrari for second place in the constructors’ championship. Yesterday, Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the Ferrari, but Mercedes also seemed to perform strongly.
With about fifteen minutes left on the clock, George Russell already set the fastest time in the Mercedes, and Russell had also set the fastest time during the first practice session yesterday.
Max Verstappen has not enjoyed the race weekend in Abu Dhabi so far. After having to watch from the sidelines during the first practice session yesterday, he set a third fastest time during the second practice session. Verstappen made it clear yesterday that the car’s set-up needed to be improved today, but today the three-time world champion also seems to be experiencing a lot of problems with the Red Bull RB19.
Ultimately, George Russell in the Mercedes was fastest, ahead of both McLaren drivers. Charles Leclerc, who was the fastest yesterday, only set the fifth fastest time while Max Verstappen had to settle for P6. Everything still seems possible for the qualification, which will also be held under very different circumstances than this last practice session, after all, the sun is setting.
More F1 news:- Carlos Sainz reveals remarkable cause of serious crash during practice session: “I was suddenly a passenger”- F1 Commission announces important decisions for the future of Formula 1- Lewis Hamilton is pessimistic: “I fear an early elimination during qualifying”- Ferrari: “Max Verstappen’s controversial title in 2021 was not good for Formula 1”- “Max Verstappen must realize that this is why he is paid so well”