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F1 LIVE | Follow FP3 live for the Imola Grand Prix

18 May at 10:30
  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

It is the first European race of the 2024 season at Imola, and it is free practice three that kicks off Saturday at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Max Verstappen leads the world championship by 33 points to his teammate Sergio Perez, but both Red Bulls are on the back foot after a poor Friday. Lando Norris moved up to fourth after his maiden win in Miami. The final of three free practice sessions begins at 11:30 (GMT)/12:30 (CET).

F1 LIVE | FP3: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 

 

This weekend returns to the traditional format, with three free practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday afternoon. This is particularly ideal for those bringing updates, including Ferrari and Red Bull. Ferrari's significant upgrade worked well in its first test, as Charles Leclerc topped both FP1 and FP2 in front of the Tifosi. He will hope to do the same for FP3 and qualify later in the day. Red Bull also brought new bits to try and stay ahead of the competition, but they have not worked to the same level as Ferrari. Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were way off the pace of where they expected to be, coming in P7 and P8 in FP2. They will hope their performance and pace improve for Saturday and Sunday.

Oscar Piastri will also get more of the McLaren upgrades that saw Norris triumph in Miami. The Australian showed some promising pace after he took P2 in the second free practice session, and both he and his British teammate will be looking to challenge Red Bull once again. The Mercedes' of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell also had a positive Friday. with new upgrades brought to Imola, Russell placed his W15 in P2 during FP1, and both he and Hamilton finished above Verstappen and Perez.

When is the next race in Italy? 

Last year's Imola Grand Prix was cancelled due to heavy rain and flooding in the local area. The event returns this year. Italy hosts two Grands Prix, with the Italian Grand Prix coming later in the year at Monza, with the race taking place on September 1.