McLaren lead in FP3 as Ferrari struggle leading up to championship decider

Oscar Piastri has topped the final FP3 session of the season, leading a McLaren one-two. Lewis Hamilton finished in third place, why Ferrari struggled more, something that was especially underlined by Charles Leclerc's comments.

Behind the two McLarens and Hamilton, it was Verstappen and Red Bull, who finished in P4, four tenths behind Piastri's time. As qualifying and the race are held at sunset, FP3 is not the best indicator of what we can expect later today and tomorrow. Still, the Dutchman looked a lot better than the day before.

A few drivers seemed to set a real qualifying lap. Many men preferred to save a set of softs, which meant that seriously fast times failed to materialise at the Yas Marina Circuit. Verstappen and Lando Norris during the first 45 minutes only used the mediums, while the fastest times were completed in the final 15 minutes. On mediums, the Haas were also competitive staying inside the Top 4 for most of the session.

Sergio Perez showed no improvement. The Mexican was only tenth. Charles Leclerc was also disappointed. The Ferrari driver said they are 'nowhere' over the team radio after Bryan Bozzi told him Piastri's lap time. Sainz finished in P5, while Leclerc set the ninth fastest time.

Top 10 in FP3 in Abu Dhabi

1. Piastri
2. Norris
3. Hamilton
4. Verstappen
5. Sainz
6. Russell
7. Hulkenberg
8. Magnussen
9. Leclerc
10. Perez

This article was written in collaboration with Corwin Kunst

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