Russell Tops Abu Dhabi FP3 as Hamilton Crashes Out
George Russell delivered a surprise by topping the final practice session in Abu Dhabi, ahead of all three F1 title contenders. The session was marred by a high-speed crash from Lewis Hamilton, who walked away unharmed but left his Ferrari team with significant repairs ahead of qualifying. Russell's pace puts Mercedes in unexpected contention for pole position, adding intrigue to the season's climax.
George Russell unexpectedly topped the final practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, placing himself firmly in contention for pole position. The session saw a dramatic high-speed crash from Lewis Hamilton, who walked away unharmed but left his team with a significant repair job before qualifying.
Why it matters:
Russell's surprise pace in FP3, beating all three title contenders, throws an exciting curveball into the final race weekend of the season. It suggests Mercedes could be a dark horse for pole, potentially influencing the championship battle. Hamilton's crash, meanwhile, adds pressure on Ferrari and could compromise his qualifying performance, which is crucial for a strong race start.
The details:
- Russell's Dominance: George Russell set a blistering 1:23.334 on soft tires, clinching the top spot by a mere 0.004 seconds over Lando Norris.
- Close Contention: Max Verstappen secured third, just a tenth off the pace, with Fernando Alonso slotting his Aston Martin into fourth, ahead of Oscar Piastri in fifth.
- Hamilton's Crash: Lewis Hamilton suffered a severe high-speed impact at Turn 9. He reported something 'buckled' at the front of his SF-25 as he turned in, leading to a spin into the barriers. The incident caused a nearly 15-minute red flag. Fortunately, Hamilton emerged from the car unharmed, but the Ferrari will require extensive repairs before qualifying.
- Stewards' Attention: Yuki Tsunoda has been summoned to the stewards for impeding Hamilton at Turn 11, while Alex Albon is under investigation for an unsafe release.
- Another Pit Lane Incident: Team-mate Kimi Antonelli is also at risk of a penalty after crashing into Tsunoda in the pit lane as both drivers exited their garages.
What's next:
The focus now shifts to qualifying, scheduled for 14:00 GMT (17:00 local time). Ferrari faces a race against time to repair Hamilton's car, which could significantly impact his starting position. Russell's unexpected form makes Mercedes a wildcard for pole, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable end to the F1 season.