Red Bull, and Aston Martin Ready for Qualifying
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez finished in front during the third and final practice session of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Just hours before the qualifying session starts, it looks like Red Bull is set for another front row lock, and possible a 1-2 podium spot during tomorrow’s race.
Aston Martin on the other hand, has proven to be quicker and quicker each time they hit the track. It seems that they are confirming everyone’s suspicions that they are the second fastest car on the grid. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll secured the second row during the session.
Ferrari and Mercedes on the other hand, have had an ‘irregular’ practice session. The team from Maranello waited until the end of the session to run with soft tires their fast stint. It seems they wanted to gain positive sensations over the poor finishes from yesterday’s FP1 and FP2. Despite this, Leclerc only managed to place himself in sixth, more than 1 second behind Verstappen’s time, whilst Sainz placed in tenth.
Mercedes had a similar final practice session with Hamilton placing fifth, just behind both Aston Martin cars, and Russell got eleventh place, behind Carlos Sainz.
The grid showed once again how close everything will be when the qualifying session starts. The top ten spots were split by more than one second. First to eighteenth, less than two. Let’s see how this is revealed during qualifying, considering the fact that traffic has been an issue during yesterday and today’s practice sessions.
The pressure is definitely going to be put on drivers like Hamilton, Russell, Sainz, and especially Leclerc, who needs a good lap time so he can at least compete for points due to his 10-place grid penalty. Considering this is a track circuit with little room for overtakes. Finishing behind the mid-pack will affect Leclerc's chance for solid points finish.
Looking forward to the qualifying session.
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