F1 LIVE | The third free practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Live
The first two free practice sessions are over in Abu Dhabi. Now it is time for all of the top drivers to show what they are capable of. After all, FP1 was mainly about letting rookies gain experience in Formula 1 cars, while FP2 was cut short by two red flags. Every driver return to the cockpit for this session, which you can follow in the liveblog below.
F1 LIVE | FP3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Based on the Friday's results, there is still little to say about the true speed of the cars, as there isn't a clear ranking after FP2. Indeed, the second practice session of the weekend is often used for the long runs, but thanks to two red flag during FP2. Conditions in the third free practice session will be cloudy, with some reporters even expecting slight rain.
In any case, Max Verstappen is feeling good in Abu Dhabi. The Yas Marina Circuit is always considered a track that suits Mercedes well in terms of characteristics, yet it was the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver who got the victory the past three times.
Charles Leclerc concluded the second practice session Friday night (local time) as fastest. The Ferrari driver was narrowly faster than Lando Norris (McLaren) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing). Surprisingly so, the P4 spot was Valtteri Bottas, in Alfa Romeo's very last Grand Prix in Formula 1 together with Saubar. That the Finn managed to report so well at the top should be a sign that things can still go significantly faster at the Yas Marina Circuit.
By qualifying time (start 15:00 Dutch time), evening has fallen in Abu Dhabi. As a result, temperatures will basically be lower than during the closing free practice. How the power rankings really are in the United Arab Emirates will probably only become clear later on.
Follow the third free practice session of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix liveblog!