The third and final practice session began in unrepresentative conditions, with both track and air temperatures running high. However, with rain expected tomorrow and significantly cooler temperatures, teams faced a challenge in preparing for the race.

After a heavy crash in FP1 and missing all of FP2, Bearman was eager to make up for lost time and was the first driver to hit the track. However, just as he was entering his first fast lap, he clipped the grass with his rear tyre and spun off at the exit of Turn 11. Stuck in the gravel trap, his session was over before it could even begin. The red flag delayed the session, which resumed with fifty minutes remaining.

Lawson, technically another rookie, also had a session to forget. His engineer instructed him to cool the battery and box, but when he asked if the issue was serious, the engineer refused to elaborate over team radio. He didn’t come out again afterwards.

For Hamilton, FP3 was all about adjustments. He completed five installation laps, boxing after each for on-the-spot setup tweaks. His first competitive lap put him P3, behind a currently fastest Verstappen.

Doohan, another rookie, had a mild lock-up at Turn 3. Though not major, it cost him some time on his flying lap. He managed to avoid the gravel as opposed to many others.

Sainz, who had ended up all sessions in front of Albon so far, found himself behind his teammate for a change. His session was briefly interrupted after lightly tapping the wall with his front-left tyre. However, after a quick check-up in the pits, he rejoined and slotted into P3, proving the incident wasn’t a big issue.

In the second half of the session, both Ferrari drivers slotted in behind the still-dominant Verstappen. Surprisingly, both Williams cars followed closely behind – despite running hard tyres, while the frontrunners were on softs.

With half the grid setting their fastest times, the reigning world champion came back out on softs and reclaimed the top spot. Meanwhile, his teammate had to climb out of his car, as a PU issue forced Red Bull’s mechanics into a race against time ahead of qualifying.

With less than ten minutes remaining, teams began their final qualifying simulations on softs. The top 13 cars were separated by just a second.

Leclerc reported handling issues after the team’s latest setup changes, describing the car as too oversteer-y and losing confidence in it. He boxed for last-minute adjustments, but his pace didn’t improve. That didn’t come as surprising considering at the time he was circling on seven-lap-old softs.

The session ended with both McLarens, both Mercedes, both Ferraris, and both Williams cars inside the top ten, joined by Verstappen and Tsunoda.

FP3 raised more questions than answers, and we’ll have to wait for qualifying to see the true pecking order. One thing is certain, Bearman is under pressure once again, and this time, Lawson will join him after missing FP3 due to technical issues.