Russell Tops Abu Dhabi FP3 Amid Incidents
George Russell surprised many by topping the final practice session for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, narrowly beating Lando Norris. The session was chaotic, featuring a crash from Lewis Hamilton and a pit lane collision between Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda, setting a dramatic tone for qualifying.
George Russell unexpectedly finished quickest in the final practice session for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing qualifying. His Mercedes edged out McLaren's Lando Norris by a mere four-thousandths of a second at Yas Marina, in a session marked by significant incidents.
Why it matters:
This surprise performance from Russell, coupled with incidents involving prominent drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Yuki Tsunoda, injects unpredictability into the season's final race weekend. With qualifying just hours away, a strong showing in FP3 can build crucial momentum and confidence, especially for a Mercedes team looking to end the season on a high note.
The details:
- Russell's Pace: George Russell's leading lap of 1:23.334s put him at the top, a slender 0.004s ahead of Lando Norris. This marks a strong recovery for Mercedes, who have shown flashes of pace throughout the weekend.
- Incidents Galore: The session was far from clean:
- Lewis Hamilton's Crash: The Ferrari driver crashed, indicating potential setup struggles or a momentary lapse in concentration at a crucial point in the weekend.
- Pit Lane Collision: Kimi Antonelli collided with Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda in the pit lane, an unusual and potentially costly incident for both teams.
- Verstappen's Position: Max Verstappen, typically dominant, finished third quickest, 0.180s behind Russell. This gap, while not large, suggests Red Bull might not have the outright pace advantage they've often enjoyed.
- McLaren's Consistency: Oscar Piastri, in the second McLaren, secured fifth place, 0.259s off Russell's pace, showcasing McLaren's consistent performance across both cars.
What's next:
The focus immediately shifts to qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The tight margins seen in FP3, combined with the various incidents, suggest that grid positions could be fiercely contested. Teams will be working feverishly to analyze data from this eventful practice session to optimize their strategies and car setups for the crucial qualifying runs.