Abu Dhabi GP: Russell Upsets Title Party, Hamilton Crashes in FP3
In the final practice session for the Abu Dhabi GP, championship leader Lando Norris showed strong pace, but the session was marred by a significant crash involving Lewis Hamilton. George Russell's performance hints at Mercedes' potential to play spoiler in the tight championship battle, setting the stage for a dramatic qualifying and race.
As the final practice hour for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix unfolded, championship leader Lando Norris, needing a top-three finish for the title, appeared relaxed in the McLaren garage. His teammate Oscar Piastri and rival Max Verstappen also exuded calm, despite the high stakes. However, the session took a dramatic turn when Lewis Hamilton suffered a significant crash, bringing out the red flag and adding an unexpected twist to the championship build-up.
Why it matters:
The final practice session is crucial for fine-tuning car setups and building driver confidence ahead of qualifying. Hamilton's crash introduces an element of uncertainty for Ferrari, while George Russell's strong performance, despite the chaos, signals Mercedes' potential to upset the championship battle between Norris and Verstappen. Such incidents can shift momentum and impact strategic decisions for the race, especially with the title on the line.
The Details:
- Early Laps: Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso were the first on track, though neither set an immediate time. Pierre Gasly posted an initial benchmark of 1:25.984.
- Norris's Pace: Championship leader Lando Norris quickly took the top spot with a 1:24.728, later improving to 1:24.533 despite a significant oversteer moment.
- Verstappen's Challenge: Max Verstappen, Norris's closest rival, eventually clocked the quickest time midway through the session, a 1:24.245, just 0.059s ahead of Stroll.
- Hamilton's Crash: The session was red-flagged when Lewis Hamilton spun off at Turn 9, crashing nose-first into the barrier. He reported "Something buckled at the front and snapped the rear" from his SF-25.
- Mercedes Performance: George Russell's strong showing, particularly after the red flag, demonstrated Mercedes' potential, while Kimi Antonelli started P18.
The Big Picture:
The 2025 F1 season is culminating in a thrilling championship showdown in Abu Dhabi. Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen are the main contenders, with Norris holding a crucial advantage. Hamilton's crash adds a layer of complexity for Ferrari and potentially opens opportunities for other teams in qualifying and the race. The final practice session, despite its interruptions, highlighted the competitive nature of the field and the pressure on the title protagonists.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to qualifying, where grid position will be paramount for the championship contenders. Ferrari will be working intensely to repair Hamilton's car and ensure he's ready for qualifying, while Norris and Verstappen will be aiming for pole to maximize their chances of securing the title. The performance shown by Russell indicates that Mercedes could be a dark horse in the race to determine the final championship standings.